Solar Austin is a membership organization that works to accelerate the transition to clean renewable energy, building healthy communities, strong economies and energy independence.

Solar Austin was founded in December of 2002 by Public Citizen’s Texas Office, the SEED Coalition, and Virtus Energy Research Associates. In December of 2004, Solar Austin moved to Austin Community Foundation under whose 501C3 status the organization now operates.

Since its inception, Solar Austin has played an important part to increase the use of renewable energy in Austin including:

• Establishing a Renewable Portfolio Standard to obtain 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020
• Setting an energy efficiency goal of 15% by 2020
• Meeting the World Wildlife Federation’s Power Shift Challenge to curb global warming: the renewable energy and energy efficiency goals (as above) and publicly supporting binding CO 2 reductions for national power sector emissions
• Creating one of the nation’s most aggressive solar programs, including
  • Rebates of $5/watt for solar photovoltaics (PV); $6.25/watt for locally manufactured PV (largest in nation)
  • One of the nation’s most ambitious solar goals: 15 MW of solar installed by 2007, 30 MW by 2010, 50 MW by 2014, and 100 MW by 2020
  • The nation’s first ever zero-energy affordable housing subdivision (minimum 100 solar-powered, energy efficient homes)
  • Demonstration solar projects at middle schools, libraries, and community centers, to include accompanying curriculum
• Establishing a pledge from Austin Energy to close the Holly Power Plant (local noise and pollution source, fire hazard, and eyesore) in 2007 (as opposed to the former closure target date, 2009)
• Moving Austin Energy’s GreenChoice® program from a boutique program to a standard offer to utility customers
• Holding regular public forums and meetings to educate the Austin community on the benefits of using remewable energy and the means by which we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels
• Funding polls showing Austin’s support for renewable energy

In June, 2003, Liveable City surveyed 500 Austin residents and found that citizens want local government to take an active role in shaping Austin’s economy, focusing on infrastructure and key services, especially keeping taxes and utilities low. Regarding the use and devlopment of renewable resouces, 90% of respondents said they approve of local government using incentives to encourage resources like solar and wind power. See the complete results of Community Priorities for a Healthy Economy at liveablecity.org.