San Antonio is expanding what city officials describe as Texas’ largest city-run solar program, with Big Sun Solar adding rooftop panels and solar canopies across 52 city-owned sites following City Council approval in 2023.
According to The Cool Down, the city secured $30.7 million to fund the rollout, which is expected to generate approximately 13 megawatts (MW) of electricity upon completion.
City leaders say the buildout will cut municipal utility spending by 11%, freeing up taxpayer dollars for public services including libraries, fire stations, and community centers.
Beyond cost savings, the installations are designed to improve grid resilience during extreme weather events, with at least one building already generating approximately 60% of its own electricity on-site.
During emergencies, solar-equipped city buildings can continue operating as community resilience hubs where residents can cool off, charge devices, or access assistance during power outages or grid disruptions.
The city is also leveraging federal clean energy incentives to offset upfront costs. “We received the first check for the U.S. Department of Treasury that was $1.2 million in tax rebates coming directly to the city for the first six projects that were installed in 2024,” said San Antonio Director of Resilience and Sustainability Laura Patino.
The city expects to receive no less than $7 million in federal tax credits over the next 25 years.
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