Austin’s accelerated industrial growth, data center expansion, and electrification trends are driving sustained increases in electricity demand. In response, Austin Energy launched the Solar Standard Offer Program to rapidly procure distributed solar capacity from commercial rooftops across the city.
The program allows qualified third-party developers to install grid-integrated solar systems on large commercial properties and sell power directly to the utility under a standardized procurement framework.
Energy Economics partners with commercial property owners to convert non-productive rooftop square footage into contracted infrastructure lease revenue.
This is not a system ownership model. It is a rooftop infrastructure leasing model.
Energy Economics is an experienced energy infrastructure developer with over a decade of execution across commercial and utility-scale projects.
We are not a solar installation contractor. We are a capitalized development partner.
Solar Standard Offer capacity is capped. We accelerate engineering review and interconnection analysis to secure allocation before capacity limits are reached.
Systems are designed using utility-grade equipment and performance modeling aligned with Austin Energy procurement requirements.
Our rooftop lease structures are transparent, assignable, and designed to align with institutional ownership entities and existing lender frameworks.
Energy Economics assumes development risk, construction risk, performance risk, and operational management. You receive lease income, not operational responsibility.
No operational involvement is required from ownership beyond standard coordination access.
Institutional property owners require clarity around encumbrance, liability, and exit strategy. Our lease structures are designed accordingly.
Sale & Transfer Flexibility
Lease agreements are assignable and structured to transfer with asset disposition.
Roof Access & Maintenance Coordination
Provisions allow for coordinated roof repair and capital improvement planning.
Insurance & Indemnification
Comprehensive insurance coverage and contractual protections are included to safeguard ownership.
Defined End-of-Term Removal
Clear decommissioning or extension provisions are established at lease inception.
We approach rooftop leasing as a long-term infrastructure partnership — not a short-term installation project.
What does it cost me to participate?
Nothing. There are zero upfront costs. Energy Economics funds development, engineering, equipment, installation, interconnection and operations.
Who owns the solar system?
Energy Economics owns the system for the duration of the lease term (typically 25 years).
What kind of lease revenue can I expect?
Lease payments are based on usable square footage, system size, and interconnection capacity. Most qualifying properties (50,000+ sq. ft.) generate meaningful annual NOI with a 1–2% escalator over a 25-year term.
Who maintains and monitors the system?
We do. Full operations and maintenance (O&M), performance monitoring, and repairs are handled by Energy Economics at no cost to the property owner.
What happens if my roof leaks?
If a leak is directly caused by our installation (which has never happened in our 10-years of doing installations), we are responsible for remediation. We use engineered attachment systems and provide workmanship warranties. A pre-install roof assessment is performed to ensure the roof is suitable before proceeding.
What about insurance and liability?
The system owner carries general liability and property insurance specific to the solar installation. The property owner is named as an additional insured. We assume project-related liability under the lease agreement.
Will this void my roof warranty?
No. We coordinate directly with your roofing manufacturer or contractor to ensure attachment methods comply with warranty requirements.
What if I need to replace my roof during the lease?
The lease outlines a coordinated removal and reinstallation process. If roof replacement is anticipated soon, it is usually best to complete it prior to installation. We structure terms clearly so there are no surprises.
What happens if I sell the building?
The lease transfers with the property. In many cases, the additional contracted lease revenue increases building valuation and buyer appeal.
Will this impact my building operations?
Minimal impact. Installation typically takes 3–9 weeks depending on system size. Access requirements are defined in advance, and we work around tenant operations whenever possible.
How do you ensure structural integrity?
We commission third-party structural engineers to ensure loading calculations account for wind uplift, ballast (if applicable), and live/dead load factors. No installation proceeds without structural sign-off.
Does this impair refinancing or lender covenants?
In most cases, no. The lease can be structured to accommodate mortgagee consent requirements and SNDA provisions (Subordination, Non-Disturbance, and Attornment Agreements). We routinely work with institutional lenders to ensure alignment.
How does this impact tenant relationships?
The system is typically front-of-the-meter and utility-facing, meaning it does not interfere with tenant meters or billing unless specifically structured otherwise. Construction scheduling is coordinated to minimize disruption.
What happens at the end of the lease term?
At term expiration, ownership typically has three options: System removal at our cost; Lease extension; or Purchase of the system at fair market value (if structured accordingly). End-of-term provisions are clearly defined in advance.
How do you evaluate whether an asset qualifies?
We prioritize 50,000+ square feet of contiguous usable roof area, strong transformer capacity, and a favorable interconnection environment. Site visits are mandatory; the Energy Economics team will walk the property to ensure suitability. Projects must support institutional underwriting standards.
What is the expected timeline?
From LOI to COD (Commercial Operation Date), most projects are delivered within approximately six months, subject to interconnection queue timelines and permitting.
Does this create operational or reputational benefit?
Yes. Beyond incremental NOI, rooftop solar can support ESG positioning, sustainability disclosures, and municipal alignment — particularly in regulated utility territories.
Why structure this as a lease instead of ownership?
For many institutional owners, rooftop solar is non-core infrastructure. Leasing converts unused roof space into predictable income without capital allocation, operational complexity, or tax structuring requirements.
The Austin Energy Solar Standard Offer Program operates under defined capacity caps. Once allocation thresholds are met, new project approvals may be delayed or deferred. A structured rooftop revenue assessment allows ownership groups to determine eligibility before program capacity closes.
500kW System Size
25-Year Term
$375,000 Over Term
500kW System Size
25-Year Term
$500,000 Over Term
500kW System Size
25-Year Term
$1,000,000 Over Term
Actual lease rates depend on site inspection conducted by Energy Economics, dependent upon Available area, Transformer, Roof age and condition, Structural viability, Interconnection