AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Energy is rolling out a new program that encourages commercial property owners to lease out large empty spaces – like rooftops and parking lots – for solar panels.  The energy provider is rolling out the Solar Standard Offer program which allows commercial property owners to rent space to third-party solar developers or host solar panels on their property. The energy generated from the solar panels would then be sold back to Austin Energy, adding to Austin’s renewable energy supply.  “We have an incredible amount of rooftop solar potential here in Austin – thousands of megawatts – but most of it has been unutilized because of the financial barrier for actually getting that solar installed,” said Kaiba White, a climate policy specialist at Public Citizen.  “Instead of the property owner having to pay to install solar on their rooftop, [with this program] they can get paid for hosting a system,” she said.  Austin Energy hopes this new effort “supercharges” its Community Solar Program – a program that started in 2018 to provide locally-generated solar energy to customers. Currently, all of that solar energy comes from three project sites.  “The idea behind this offering is that we will be able to expand the Community Solar Program,” said Tim Harvey, Austin Energy solar program manager.  “[It] empowers property owners, solar developers and the Austin community to work together toward a carbon-free future. It’s a major opportunity to meet our climate goals and create long-term value for everyone involved,” Harvey said.  The program will begin accepting applications in December. Harvey said any customer on the distribution grid who has available space is eligible to participate.