News Story

CPS ENERGY EXPANDS COMMUNITY SOLAR THROUGH NEW REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR UP TO 50 MW by Sydney Colwell

Feb.4, 2026 – (SAN ANTONIO) CPS Energy is expanding its community solar program through a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking up to 50 megawatts (MW) of community solar -enough to power approximately 10,000 homes during peak energy demand hours. The initiative supports the utility’s Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP) and reflects its ongoing commitment to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for the San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Through this RFP, CPS Energy invites respondents to propose community solar projects that offer customers an alternative to installing and maintaining solar panels on their properties. The solicitation allows for a range of project approaches, with the potential for multiple awardees, and is designed to support scalable solutions that can be deployed in the near term.

CPS Energy has developed multiple paths for vendors to participate in the solicitation and is seeking proposals for the following: complete turnkey community solar programs, new innovative approaches to community solar that incorporate new technologies or program models, or solar installation-only solutions.

Selected respondents will enter into Power Purchase Agreements with CPS Energy for the sale of 100% of the electrical output. Responses are welcome from local and small businesses as well as larger industry leaders. As a community-owned utility, CPS Energy supports economic development and is encouraging broad participation in this solicitation.

Community solar programs can help expand access to renewable energy for customers who have faced traditional barriers to participation in the past, including those customers who live in apartments or rental homes.

“This RFP reflects CPS Energy’s continued focus on expanding our solar portfolio in ways that are flexible, scalable, and responsive to our community’s needs,” said Jonathan Tijerina, Vice President of Corporate Development, CPS Energy. “Community solar allows us to bring more renewable energy online while maintaining affordability and reliability for our customers.”

CPS Energy ranks first in Texas for solar power capacity. Through STEP, the utility is focused on reducing barriers to solar participation while supporting a diverse and resilient generation mix.

The following are key dates for the RFP:

Milestone	Date
RFP Issuance through cpsenergy.com/bids	January 30, 2026
Deadline for submittal of questions on the portal	February 16, 2026
CPS Energy Responses to Submitted Questions	February 23, 2026
Deadline for proposal submittal – portal closes; evaluation begins	March 19, 2026

All participants can view the RFP and must submit proposals through cpsenergy.com/bids. After the closing date, CPS Energy will begin evaluations with a goal of making selections later this year.