CPS Energy Restarted Community Solar Program
The utility's new purchase model allows San Antonio businesses and residents to offset energy costs through off-site solar panels.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Is now a good time for you to invest in off-site solar energy to lower bills?
CPS Energy launched a community solar program in September 2026, marking the utility's first such initiative since 2019. The program allows customers to purchase solar panels located off-site to receive bill credits for their utility account.
Why it matters
This program provides an alternative to traditional rooftop installations for businesses and renters who lack the infrastructure or property ownership to generate their own power. It also supports the utility's strategy to defer new fossil fuel plant investments by expanding local renewable capacity.
The program features a 20-megawatt initial capacity aimed at serving 3,000 customers, with panels priced at $2 per watt. Participants receive a bill credit of 10 cents per kilowatt hour over the duration of a 20-year contract.
The players
CPS Energy
A municipal utility providing electricity and natural gas services to San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Big Sun Solar
A renewable energy company specializing in the development and maintenance of solar infrastructure.
San Antonio Food Bank
A non-profit organization serving as the inaugural site for the utility's new solar capacity program.
The details
Customers participate by purchasing panels installed on commercial rooftops or in designated fields managed by partner Big Sun Solar. Under this model, the utility provides bill credits for the energy generated by the purchased units, while Big Sun Solar handles all required insurance and routine maintenance. The first phase of this construction begins at the San Antonio Food Bank site, with additional locations planned throughout Bexar County.
Timeline
The utility last offered a community solar program in 2019.
Construction at the San Antonio Food Bank site began the week of September 27, 2026.
The first batches of added solar generation are scheduled to go online in early 2027.
Market Landscape
This program follows the conclusion of the utility's last community solar offering in 2019. It aligns with broader regional efforts to expand decentralized renewable energy capacity without requiring direct utility ownership of every generation site.
Businesses evaluating long-term energy costs should analyze whether the 20-year, 10-cent-per-kilowatt-hour credit structure provides a favorable return compared to current grid rates. Consult with a financial advisor to determine if the $2-per-watt capital outlay aligns with your property and tax planning goals.
The takeaway
This utility program allows businesses to stabilize energy costs through a long-term credit model that bypasses the need for rooftop maintenance. Operators should review the 20-year contract terms and compare the credit rate against their historical utility billing data to assess long-term feasibility.
Further reading
For more on the regulatory and operational environment for local providers, see Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for you to invest in off-site solar energy to lower bills?
