Austin staff briefs on solar implementation for city facilities following council directive

The Austin Joint Sustainability Committee (JSC) meeting on August 27, 2025, focused on the progress of implementing solar energy on city facilities. Staff member Rohan presented updates on a council resolution passed in May, which directed city management to analyze city properties for solar generation, prioritize general fund properties, and evaluate opportunities for solar on local government properties.

Rohan highlighted the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2021, which expanded clean energy tax credits and introduced a direct pay mechanism allowing cities to benefit fully from these credits. However, recent legislation has begun phasing out some of these tax credits, creating tighter timelines for projects to commence construction by July 2026 or be completed by 2027.

A successful case study from San Antonio was shared, where the city developed over 13 megawatts of solar energy across 42 facilities, resulting in significant long-term savings. Rohan emphasized the importance of thorough upfront analysis and early engagement with building managers to streamline the procurement process and enhance project feasibility.

The city’s approach involves three main steps: assessing current facilities for solar potential, issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for multiple sites, and selecting winning proposals for construction. The city has already partnered with the Rocky Mountain Institute to assist in assessing solar viability and developing procurement strategies.

Looking ahead, a memo to the council is due on September 2, detailing the ongoing efforts. The team is actively screening potential sites and aims to present to the Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks Committee in the coming months, with plans to release the RFP soon. The committee is committed to leveraging available tax credits and expediting the solar installation process to meet the city's sustainability goals.