Austin Energy to pay business owners producing solar energy [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas — Local business owners will now have a way of getting involved with sustainable energy while making passive income through a new incentive program from Austin Energy.

“This program is going to change the market,” said Tim Harvey, the Customer Renewable Solutions Manager for Austin Energy.

Business owners can either buy their own panels or lease their roof or parking lot space out to third-party solar companies. Austin Energy will then pay the owners of the solar $0.1124 per kWh for systems under 1 MW and $0.0841 per kWh for larger systems.

If the business is renting their space to third-party solar developers, Austin Energy will pay the solar companies directly, then the businesses will be compensated through a lease payment.

Austin Energy leaders say …