Updated: September 12, 2025
Quick take
All three utilities support commercial solar in 2025, but differ on incentive design, deadlines, and documentation. The fastest path to value is pairing the local incentive with a PPA, which converts CapEx into an energy rate while the rebate improves economics behind the scenes. Use our checklist and lock design before each utility’s window closes.
Note: Always verify the latest program manual and portal requirements at the time of application. We update this page frequently as details change.
1. Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Category | Oncor | CenterPoint Energy (Houston) | Austin Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Territory | DFW & North TX (Oncor footprint) | Greater Houston area (CenterPoint TDSP) | City of Austin & AE service area |
| Program Type | Commercial solar incentive (capacity/performance based; varies by update) | Commercial solar incentive/rebate (program‑specific) | Commercial solar performance‑based or capacity‑based (per AE program year) |
| Eligibility (Typical) | Commercial customers in Oncor territory; roof or carport; interconnection required | Commercial customers in CenterPoint territory; roof or carport; interconnection required | Commercial customers in AE territory; local permits & AE interconnection |
| Timing / Window | Annual funding window with hard cutoff (e.g., late fall). Pre‑apply early. | Annual/periodic windows; apply as soon as portal opens. | Program year windows; AE posts updates—earlier submittal = better odds. |
| Common Required Docs | Utility account info, site plan, expected production, contractor credentials | Utility account, design package, expected production, contractor credentials | AE interconnection forms, design package, production estimate, permits |
| Stacking with PPA | Yes — improves effective $/kWh in PPA pricing | Yes — can be reflected in rate or rider | Yes — structured into rate or separate credit |
| Typical Pitfalls | Late applications; mismatched parcel/meter IDs; incomplete interval data | Interconnection queue delays; doc revisions; roof structural sign‑off | Permit sequencing; AHJ inspections; AE checklist misses |
Exact incentive amounts and formulas can change mid‑year. Confirm current rates and forms on each utility’s program portal at time of submission.
2. Critical Timelines
- 60–90 days before cutoff: Site assessment, bill/interval data, structural pre‑screen.
- 45–60 days: Pre‑application & incentive reservation; interconnection application.
- 30 days: Final design lock, PPA execution, permit submittals.
- Cutoff week: Submit final materials; verify portal status daily.
3. Step‑by‑Step Action Plan
1) Load & Roof Data
Send 12–24 months of bills or interval data; provide roof age, type, and any re‑roof plans to align warranties.
2) Pre‑Qual & Reservation
We pre‑screen eligibility and reserve funds where applicable. Start interconnection paperwork in parallel.
3) Lock PPA & Design
Finalize pricing, equipment, and layout so the incentive impacts your effective PPA rate.
4) Submit Finals
Upload stamped drawings, production estimates, and permits; confirm portal status until approved.
4. Illustrative Savings (Example)
Scenario: 200 kW rooftop for a Houston warehouse (CenterPoint) with blended utility cost of 11.5¢/kWh. With a utility incentive + PPA, modeled all‑in effective rate improves by ~8–18% vs. utility‑only—subject to actual program rates and load profile.
Actual savings vary. We always build your model from measured consumption and the current year’s program rules.
5. FAQ & Common Pitfalls
A: Yes. We structure value into the PPA rate or as a line‑item credit, depending on utility rules.
A: We file early, track milestones, and design with headroom for reviews. If a cycle is missed, we re‑queue and preserve economics where possible.
A: We coordinate re‑roof + PV sequencing and obtain roofer letters so warranty coverage remains intact.
Lock your incentive and rate band
We’ll assess your site, model the PPA, and stitch the utility incentive into a custom energy rate that delivers immediate savings—no upfront CapEx.
*Illustrative guidance. Final eligibility and amounts depend on each utility’s current program rules and site specifics.