KOOP Radio is proud to operate as a solar powered community radio station, using clean, renewable energy to support our broadcasting and our mission to serve Austin with independent, community-driven programming.

Through a generous solar energy donation coordinated by Solar Austin and made possible through the collaboration of multiple community partners, KOOP generates renewable energy on site reducing our environmental footprint while strengthening the station’s long-term sustainability.

How KOOP’s Solar System Works

During daylight hours, KOOP’s studios and broadcast operations are powered directly by energy produced by rooftop solar panels. When sunlight is not available, the station draws electricity from the Austin Energy grid to maintain uninterrupted service. 

At the center of the system is a solar inverter, which converts the electricity produced by the panels known as direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), the form of electricity required to power broadcasting equipment. This hybrid setup allows KOOP to maximize the use of solar energy while ensuring reliable, around-the-clock operations.

KOOP is also exploring the future addition of battery storage, which would allow the station to remain on the air for several hours during power outages, an important step toward increased resilience and emergency readiness.

A Major Upgrade in Clean Energy

KOOP’s current solar array is three times larger than the station’s original system, which served KOOP well for several years. The new installation incorporates state-of-the-art solar technology, offering improved efficiency, higher energy production, and long-term cost savings.

For a nonprofit community radio station, these savings help redirect resources toward programming, volunteer support, and community engagement while also contributing to a cleaner energy future for Austin.

Powered by Partnership

This solar project reflects the power of collaboration across nonprofit, private, and community sectors. KOOP extends deep gratitude to the organizations whose support made this donation possible:

•  Enstall Empowers
•  Imperial Star
•  Lighthouse Solar
•  American YouthWorks 
•  H-E-B 
•  The Meadows Foundation 
•  BikeTexas
•  Roofio
•  Solvari

Special recognition goes to John Hoffner, longtime KOOP programmer and host of The Austin Kooperative Hour, and Stan Pipkin, owner of Lighthouse Solar, whose leadership and advocacy helped bring this project to life.

Why Solar Matters for Community Radio

Solar energy reduces carbon emissions, stabilizes operating costs for nonprofit organizations, and strengthens community resilience. For KOOP, being solar powered aligns with our values as a listener-supported station rooted in community responsibility, innovation, and public service.

By broadcasting with clean energy, KOOP demonstrates how community media can be both culturally vibrant and environmentally conscious serving today’s listeners while investing in the future.