Solar Panels installed on KOOP Radio's Austin HQ

Over 18 organizations and 70 people helped Solar Austin install a 20.5kW Solar panel system at KOOP Radio on October 12, 2025. Below are photos of the amazing work done by Lighthouse Solar professionals, American YouthWorks trainees, and volunteers from the Austin Community.

This project was made possible by contributions from:

Solar Austin – Project manager, fundraiser and community education partner
The Meadows Foundation – Grantor
Austin Energy – Solar Solutions Capacity Based Incentive program
Lighthouse Solar – Installation partner and labor donor
Enstall Empowers/IronRidge – Racking material donor
John Hoffner – Engineering services donor
Imperial Star – Solar panel donor
American Youth Works – Labor contributor and equipment funds grantor
HEB – Grantor and food donor
KOOP Radio – Solar installation recipient
BikeTexas – Solar panel transportation
Roofio – Solar panel transportation
Solvari – solar panel uninstallation support

Here are the Facts about this solar panel installation in Austin, TX.

Address: 3823 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX

Workforce development: 10 trainees

People served: 40,000 per month

Installation date: Oct. 12, 2025

System size: 20.9 kW

Retail value: $45,854.10

Expected system life: 25+ years

Annual energy: (~30,000 kWh) value: $2,954

25-Yr energy: (~675,000 kWh) value: $66,484

Energy use offset: ~76%

CO2 offset: 577,000 pounds (equal to 635,000 car miles, or 480 roundtrip flights from Austin to Denver)

KOOP radio is a non-profit radio station, critical for distributing important information in emergencies to the community. This solar array, along with additional battery backup, will reduce KOOP’s energy bills and enhance their ability to remain on the air during grid outages.

With over 40,000 monthly listeners, Solar Austin is proud to partner with KOOP to educate and amplify the benefits of solar energy to Austin residents and businesses.

Together, we support City Council’s local solar goals and helps residents be correctly informed in a world of ever changing policy and information.

Listen to our interview with John Hoffner about this solar installation on KOOP Radio, click the large orange play button in the top left of the player below.