Interactive Guide:
Solar Proposal Example
This guide is to help Austin Energy customers: Solar system information and calculations are for educational purposes and should not be used to inform design decisions.
- Ensure solar proposals reflect accurate utility rates
- Compare common information found in solar proposals
How to Navigate the Interactive Guide:
Hover over buttons to see details Click buttons to: Reveal new content Navigate to links Continue to next page
Go to Solar Proposal Example
SuperStar Solar
Example
Solar Proposal
Contractor Information
SuperStar Solar123 Solar Panel Drive Austin, TX
TDLR: 12345 NABCEP: 987654321
Prepared by: Sunny 512-Sun-1234 Sunny@superstar.ray
System Overview
Specification
Item
System Size
6.0
kW
Battery Capacity
10.0
kW
Energy Offset
90%
Annual Energy Estimates
Home Consumption:
10,000 kWh 9,000 kWh
Solar Generation:
kWh
Rebate Program Shade Eligibility
SuperStar Solar
Solar Proposal
Example
Financial Summary
Price per Watt
$4.58/W 12.0¢/kWh
Total System Cost $30,000
Materials, Labor, Fees, Etc.
Price per Kilowatt-Hour
Net System Cost $27,500
Austin Energy Rebate $2,500 flat-rate check
Federal Tax Credit Update
Financing Options
Payment Schedule
Due at milestone:
Cash
Loan
Lease/PPA
Contract Signing Installation Interconnection
10% of total cost 50% of total cost Remaining Balance
Estimated Savings
Solar Bill Credits
Utility: Austin Energy
Value of Solar Rate: 9.91¢/kWh
Year 1Earnings
Return on Investment
Payback Period
Total Net Earnings
Watch out for Red Flags
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar Production Key Numbers
Estimated Annual Energy Production (kWh/year) Production Factor measures how efficiently your system will produce energy. In Austin, a good range is 1,100 to 1,500 kWh per kW. Factors that affect this include:
Formula: Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
- Roof direction (south-facing is ideal)
- Roof slope
- Shade from trees, buildings or roof features
- Equipment efficiency
Solar Production Factor
Calculating the Production Factor will help you measure the efficiency of solar systems, and can be useful when comparing proposals. It is a ratio of how much energy the system is estimated to produce (kWh) to the system size (kW). Roof direction & slope, potential shade, and equipment efficiency can affect this number.
Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
In Austin, a good range is 1,100 to 1,500 kWh
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Lorem ipsum dolor
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Loan Education Resources
Return on Investment
Calculation variables
System Costs Solar EarningsSystem Performance
Incentive deductions and potential financing costs Value of Solar rate and forecasted rate changes Estimated generation and system degradation rate *ROI is typically based on warranty timelines
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Roof Conditions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
- Labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Solar Production Factor
To compare systems of different system sizes, using Production Factor will help you measure how efficiently your system will produce energy. Factors that affect this include:
Formula: Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
- Roof direction (south-facing is ideal)
- Roof slope
- Shade from trees, buildings or roof features
- Equipment efficiency
Estimated Solar Savings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your costs through the solar bill credits you earn. To estimate your payback period, divide your total cost (including financing or interest) by the average amount of bill credits your system is expected to earn each year.
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Estimated Solar Savings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your costs through the solar bill credits you earn. To estimate your payback period, divide your total cost (including financing or interest) by the average amount of bill credits your system is expected to earn each year.
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Loan Education Resources
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Austin Energy's Value of Solar Credit and Electric Rates
Austin Energy uses the Value of Solar Bill Credit to compensation customers for solar generation. It is applied to a customer's solar generation.
Interactive Solar Bill Explainer
Link
Austin Energy's Value of Solar Credit and Electric Rates
Austin Energy uses the Value of Solar Bill Credit to compensation customers for solar generation. It is applied to a customer's solar generation.
Interactive Solar Bill Explainer
Link
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Solar Production Factor
Calculating the Production Factor will help you measure the efficiency of solar systems, and can be useful when comparing proposals. It is a ratio of how much energy the system is estimated to produce (kWh) to the system size (kW). Roof direction & slope, potential shade, and equipment efficiency can affect this number.
Formula: Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
In Austin, a good range is 1,100 to 1,500 kWh
Lease
Loan
Cash
Upfront Payments
System Ownership
Monthly Payments
Eligible for Incentives
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Return on Investment
Calculation variables:
System Costs Solar EarningsSystem Performance
Incentive deductions and potential financing costs Value of Solar Rate and forecasted rate changes Estimated generation and system degradation rate *ROI is typically based on warranty timelines
To calculate earnings, payback period, and savings, local rates should be applied and compared to system costs:
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
To calculate earnings, payback period, and savings, local rates should be applied and compared to system costs:
Roof Conditions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
- Labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Lorem ipsum dolor
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
Roof Conditions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
- Labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Sizing your System
If you want to estimate the number of panels you need for your home, the following variables need to be used: - energy use - solar panel wattage - production ratios Apply these numbers in the following formula: Number of panels = annual electricity usage / production ratio / panel wattage
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised. The full amount of project cost is requested upfront. Net Metering is used to calculate savings instead of Value of Solar. Financing Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed.
Return on Investment
Initial investment in first year, then solar incentives received soon after
Return on Investment
Value of Solar Rate adjustment every 3 years replaces 2% escalator
Financing Options: Loan
Contracts should list the following:
Lending Disclosures
Annual Percentage Rate Finance Charge Amount Financed Total Payments Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
Number of Payments Amount of Each Payment When Payments are Due
Lorem ipsum dolor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore.
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Loan Education Resources
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Loan Education Resources
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised. The full amount of project cost is requested upfront. Net Metering is used to calculate savings instead of Value of Solar. Financing Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed.
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
- Annual Interest Rate
- Finance Charge
- Amount Financed
- Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
- Number of Payments
- Amount of Each Payment
- When Payments are Due
Loan Education Resources
Lorem ipsum dolor
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Estimated Solar Savings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn. To estimate your payback period, divide your total cost (including financing or interest) by the average amount of bill credits your system is expected to earn each year. (delete?)
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Return on Investment
Calculation variables
System Costs Solar EarningsSystem Performance
Incentive deductions and potential financing costs Value of Solar rate and forecasted rate changes Estimated generation and system degradation rate *ROI is typically based on warranty timelines
Solar Proposal Example
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Transcript
Interactive Guide:
Solar Proposal Example
This guide is to help Austin Energy customers: Solar system information and calculations are for educational purposes and should not be used to inform design decisions.
How to Navigate the Interactive Guide:
Hover over buttons to see details Click buttons to: Reveal new content Navigate to links Continue to next page
Go to Solar Proposal Example
SuperStar Solar
Example
Solar Proposal
Contractor Information
SuperStar Solar123 Solar Panel Drive Austin, TX
TDLR: 12345 NABCEP: 987654321
Prepared by: Sunny 512-Sun-1234 Sunny@superstar.ray
System Overview
Specification
Item
System Size
6.0
kW
Battery Capacity
10.0
kW
Energy Offset
90%
Annual Energy Estimates
Home Consumption:
10,000 kWh 9,000 kWh
Solar Generation:
kWh
Rebate Program Shade Eligibility
SuperStar Solar
Solar Proposal
Example
Financial Summary
Price per Watt
$4.58/W 12.0¢/kWh
Total System Cost $30,000
Materials, Labor, Fees, Etc.
Price per Kilowatt-Hour
Net System Cost $27,500
Austin Energy Rebate $2,500 flat-rate check
Federal Tax Credit Update
Financing Options
Payment Schedule
Due at milestone:
Cash
Loan
Lease/PPA
Contract Signing Installation Interconnection
10% of total cost 50% of total cost Remaining Balance
Estimated Savings
Solar Bill Credits
Utility: Austin Energy
Value of Solar Rate: 9.91¢/kWh
Year 1Earnings
Return on Investment
Payback Period
Total Net Earnings
Watch out for Red Flags
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar Production Key Numbers
Estimated Annual Energy Production (kWh/year) Production Factor measures how efficiently your system will produce energy. In Austin, a good range is 1,100 to 1,500 kWh per kW. Factors that affect this include:
Formula: Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
Solar Production Factor
Calculating the Production Factor will help you measure the efficiency of solar systems, and can be useful when comparing proposals. It is a ratio of how much energy the system is estimated to produce (kWh) to the system size (kW). Roof direction & slope, potential shade, and equipment efficiency can affect this number.
Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
In Austin, a good range is 1,100 to 1,500 kWh
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Lorem ipsum dolor
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Loan Education Resources
Return on Investment
Calculation variables
System Costs Solar EarningsSystem Performance
Incentive deductions and potential financing costs Value of Solar rate and forecasted rate changes Estimated generation and system degradation rate *ROI is typically based on warranty timelines
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Roof Conditions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
Solar Production Factor
To compare systems of different system sizes, using Production Factor will help you measure how efficiently your system will produce energy. Factors that affect this include:
Formula: Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
Estimated Solar Savings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your costs through the solar bill credits you earn. To estimate your payback period, divide your total cost (including financing or interest) by the average amount of bill credits your system is expected to earn each year.
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Estimated Solar Savings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your costs through the solar bill credits you earn. To estimate your payback period, divide your total cost (including financing or interest) by the average amount of bill credits your system is expected to earn each year.
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Loan Education Resources
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Austin Energy's Value of Solar Credit and Electric Rates
Austin Energy uses the Value of Solar Bill Credit to compensation customers for solar generation. It is applied to a customer's solar generation.
Interactive Solar Bill Explainer
Link
Austin Energy's Value of Solar Credit and Electric Rates
Austin Energy uses the Value of Solar Bill Credit to compensation customers for solar generation. It is applied to a customer's solar generation.
Interactive Solar Bill Explainer
Link
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Solar Production Factor
Calculating the Production Factor will help you measure the efficiency of solar systems, and can be useful when comparing proposals. It is a ratio of how much energy the system is estimated to produce (kWh) to the system size (kW). Roof direction & slope, potential shade, and equipment efficiency can affect this number.
Formula: Estimated annual production (in kWh) ÷ system size (in kW)
In Austin, a good range is 1,100 to 1,500 kWh
Lease
Loan
Cash
Upfront Payments
System Ownership
Monthly Payments
Eligible for Incentives
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Return on Investment
Calculation variables:
System Costs Solar EarningsSystem Performance
Incentive deductions and potential financing costs Value of Solar Rate and forecasted rate changes Estimated generation and system degradation rate *ROI is typically based on warranty timelines
To calculate earnings, payback period, and savings, local rates should be applied and compared to system costs:
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
To calculate earnings, payback period, and savings, local rates should be applied and compared to system costs:
Roof Conditions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
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Roof Conditions
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Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied to estimated solar generation. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Sizing your System
If you want to estimate the number of panels you need for your home, the following variables need to be used: - energy use - solar panel wattage - production ratios Apply these numbers in the following formula: Number of panels = annual electricity usage / production ratio / panel wattage
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised. The full amount of project cost is requested upfront. Net Metering is used to calculate savings instead of Value of Solar. Financing Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed.
Return on Investment
Initial investment in first year, then solar incentives received soon after
Return on Investment
Value of Solar Rate adjustment every 3 years replaces 2% escalator
Financing Options: Loan
Contracts should list the following:
Lending Disclosures
Annual Percentage Rate Finance Charge Amount Financed Total Payments Total Sale Price
Payment Schedule
Number of Payments Amount of Each Payment When Payments are Due
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Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Loan Education Resources
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Loan Education Resources
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised. The full amount of project cost is requested upfront. Net Metering is used to calculate savings instead of Value of Solar. Financing Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed.
Solar Loans
Key Information to review before signing a solar loan contract:
Lending Disclosures
Payment Schedule
Loan Education Resources
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Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
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Watch out for Red Flags
Unrealistic savings, like eliminating your utility bill, are promised The full amount of project cost is requested upfront Incorrect utility rates (not Value of Solar) are used to calculate savings Hidden Costs and Lender Liens are not disclosed
Estimated Solar Earnings
For Austin Energy customers, solar proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn.
Interactive guide on how solar impacts your bill
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Return on Investment
Make sure your ROI includes: Financing Option and it's affect on your payback periodAccurate solar bill credit rate and rate escalatorWarranty timeline and system degradation estimatesApplicable federal and local solar incentives
Estimated Solar Savings
For Austin Energy customers, proposals should not calculate savings and payback periods based on a net metering structure. Instead, Value of Solar rate should be applied. Over time, you can recover your system cost through the solar bill credits you earn. To estimate your payback period, divide your total cost (including financing or interest) by the average amount of bill credits your system is expected to earn each year. (delete?)
Solar System Costs
Key Numbers
Price per Watt ($/W) tells you how much the system costs based on its size.Net system cost ÷ system size (in Watts) Price per Kilowatt-Hour ($/kWh) helps you understand your long-term value. Net system cost ÷ total energy the system is expected to generate over its lifetime (in Kilowatt-Hour) Other key numbers: Inflation Rate, Estimated Interest, Energy Rates
Return on Investment
Calculation variables
System Costs Solar EarningsSystem Performance
Incentive deductions and potential financing costs Value of Solar rate and forecasted rate changes Estimated generation and system degradation rate *ROI is typically based on warranty timelines