If you are buying a home in Bastrop with solar panels, or thinking about adding them, the rules changed on Oct. 1, 2026. Bastrop Power and Light (BP&L) customers now earn bill credits for extra electricity they send to the city grid, and they will pay a monthly fee based on system size once the city sets the amount.
What changed on Oct. 1?
City Council unanimously approved the new solar ordinance on Sept. 8, Community Impact reported. Under it:
- Credits: You get a credit for excess power your panels send back to the BP&L grid. The credit is based on the city’s “avoided cost of generation,” which is what the city saves by not buying that power from its wholesale provider.
- Monthly fee: Solar customers pay a monthly fee based on the size of their system.
- Connection rules: New systems must be inspected, meet code and go through the city’s application process before they connect.
- Fines: Unauthorized or noncompliant connections can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.
How much is the monthly fee?
It has not been set yet. City officials said in August that the amount was not finalized, and a separate ordinance setting it is expected to come back to council before the city updates its Master Fee Schedule. As of an Oct. 25 report, the amount was still pending.
Does this apply to my home?
These rules cover Bastrop Power and Light customers. Not every Bastrop address is on BP&L, so check your utility first. The easiest way is to look at a recent electric bill for the home or ask the seller.
What should buyers ask about a home with solar?
- Which electric provider serves the home?
- Are the panels owned or leased? A lease or loan may need to transfer to you.
- Was the system permitted and approved to connect to the grid?
- How old are the panels and the roof under them?
- Can the seller share the last 12 months of electric bills?
These questions help you compare monthly costs with a home that does not have solar.
Where can I learn more about utilities in Bastrop?
Our Moving to Bastrop guide covers setting up utilities and other first steps. If you are looking at a home with panels, reach out and we will help you get the right paperwork from the seller.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Bastrop pay for extra solar power?
- Bastrop Power and Light customers get bill credits for excess electricity sent to the city grid, starting Oct. 1, 2026. Credits are based on the city's avoided cost of generation.
- How much is the Bastrop solar fee?
- The monthly fee is based on the size of your solar system, but the amount had not been announced as of late October 2026. A separate ordinance will set it.
- Do I need a permit to connect solar panels in Bastrop?
- Yes. New systems must be inspected, meet code and go through the city's application process before connecting to the BP&L grid. Unauthorized connections can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.
Sources
- Community Impact: What to know about Bastrop's new solar rules
- The Cool Down via Now.Solar: Texas city offers credits while homeowners wait on a new fee
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
