AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Energy added 18.8 megawatts of new local solar power to the grid this year, the utility announced Monday.

The utility service took on 749 new solar projects across the city, including 690 residential systems and 59 commercial installations. Austin Energy now supports 188 megawatts of total local solar capacity, putting it within 17 megawatts of reaching its 2027 goal of 205 megawatts of active local solar capacity.

Austin Energy added 18.8 megawatts of new local solar power to the grid this year, the utility announced Monday. (Photo: Austin Energy)

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“Local solar is a cornerstone of Austin’s clean energy future,” said Stuart Reilly, Austin Energy general manager. “Every system installed in Austin helps electric bills stay affordable and makes our city’s power generation portfolio even cleaner.”

The utility said local solar generation strengthens reliability, reduces transmission costs and helps lower demand on the broader ERCOT grid, which can stabilize market prices during periods of high statewide usage.

The Capacity-Based Incentive Program supported solar installations at Eanes ISD and IDEA Public Schools. Nonprofit housing development Pathways at Chalmers Court West, a 156-unit affordable housing community, installed a 209-kilowatt solar system through Austin Energy’s Shared Solar program.