CPS Energy Restarted Community Solar Program

The utility reopened its community solar initiative to provide renewable access for local San Antonio residents.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration of a solar panel field in muted teal and oxblood, representing local renewable energy infrastructure. — CPS Energy has relaunched its community solar program in San Antonio, allowing residents to purchase off-site solar panels to receive monthly bill credits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now a good time for you to invest in off-site solar energy to lower bills?

CPS Energy launched a new community solar program that allows local customers to purchase off-site solar panels. This initiative serves residents unable to install rooftop units, with the utility aiming to support a total of 3,000 participants.

Why it matters

The program provides renewable energy access to renters and homeowners while helping the utility avoid the need to build additional gas or coal power plants. It serves as an alternative for customers whose properties cannot accommodate traditional rooftop solar installations.

The program offers a bill credit rate of 10 cents per kilowatt hour for customers, with panel costs set at $2 per watt. Participants commit to a 20-year service contract for the panels.

The players

CPS Energy

This organization is the municipal utility providing electricity and natural gas services to the San Antonio area.

Big Sun Solar

This company is the partner utility contractor responsible for building the solar capacity and performing ongoing maintenance.

San Antonio Food Bank

This local nonprofit organization is hosting the first of four planned solar installation sites.

The details

Customers purchase panels located in off-site fields or on business rooftops to receive ongoing bill credits. Big Sun Solar acts as the partner for the initiative, providing insurance and routine maintenance for all equipment.

CPS Energy last offered a community solar program in 2019.
Construction on the first solar site began during the week of September 27, 2026.
The first batches of generated solar power are scheduled to go online in early 2027.

Market Landscape

This program reflects a broader trend of utilities moving away from centralized fossil fuel reliance toward distributed solar models. It positions CPS Energy to meet sustainability goals while expanding customer-facing renewable energy options in the region.

Local renters and homeowners can access solar benefits without needing their own rooftop, potentially lowering their monthly utility bills. Participants must commit to a two-decade contract and provide the necessary capital for the panel purchase.

The takeaway

This initiative allows residents to participate in renewable energy generation without the logistical constraints of private property ownership. Interested customers should evaluate the 20-year commitment and long-term credit potential against their current home energy usage patterns.