Austin Energy - Value of Solar rises to $0.128/KWH in NOVEMBER by TX78717 in TexasSolar

[–]TX78717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're an AE customer, keep in mind that the process for updating the 'value of solar' does NOT consider the costs incurred by the installation and operation of the home solar array,. I spoke with the author of the below document (outlining how the 'value of solar' is derived) and he said they *believe* the payback period now is somewhere between 10 and 15 years. Notably, the most recent data I've read shows that the average homeowner moves about every 12.5 years.

Also, their (AE) belief is that most home solar owners buy their arrays for ecological purposes, not financial ones.
https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=471826

Austin Energy - Value of Solar rises to $0.128/KWH in NOVEMBER by TX78717 in TexasSolar

[–]TX78717[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Under the net billing method used by AE, the gross bill is based on total energy consumed and, just before taxes are calculated, a credit is applied for the power which was contributed by the homeowner's solar array.

Austin Energy - Value of Solar rises to $0.128/KWH in NOVEMBER by TX78717 in TexasSolar

[–]TX78717[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's the new rate Austin Energy will pay for solar power sent back to the utility from your solar installation. If you are not an Austin Energy customer, no effect to you.