Municipal Onsite Solar
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Municipal Onsite Solar
Clean Power for City Buildings
In 2023, City Council approved a landmark $30.7 million investment to install canopy solar across multiple City sites including libraries, community centers, and public safety facilities. This initiative represents the largest local government onsite solar project in Texas and the second largest nationwide! Municipal onsite solar is helping San Antonio generate more clean energy where it is used, reduce reliance on the electric grid, and move toward zero net energy for municipal buildings by 2040.
Not only is the City breaking new ground with one of the largest solar projects in the nation; it is also among the first to use a new federal rule called “direct pay,” which means the City can get cash back to help pay for solar equipment upfront.
Projects began coming online in 2024, with 26 expected to be complete by the end of fiscal year 2026 and the remaining systems planned by the end of 2027. Together, these installations will lower energy costs and emissions while strengthening the resilience of City facilities and the broader energy system.
Municipal Onsite Solar
Local, Lasting Benefits
Onsite solar is helping San Antonio transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy while strengthening the electric grid. By pairing lower energy use with local power generation, City facilities can reduce reliance on the main grid, return excess capacity to the system, and diversify San Antonio’s energy supply with clean power produced locally.
The City’s solar investment is also creating workforce opportunities. Big Sun Solar, the local company deploying and managing the City’s rooftop and parking-canopy solar systems, has grown from 10 to more than 50 employees since being selected for the project. As of 2026, 12 employees were in training, and the company offers a career pathway for workers to progress from apprentice to journeyman and, ultimately, master electrician.