TXSES is proud to be one of eight teams that was chosen nationwide for the Solar Energy Innovation Network (SEIN) pilot project, Equitable Solar in Underserved Communities, along with Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI) and Frontier Energy. The white paper, “New Pathways for Equitable Solar Adoption in Texas” describes the project in detail.
SEIN seeks to overcome barriers to solar adoption by connecting teams of stakeholders that are pioneering new ideas with the resources they need to succeed. SEIN is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and is led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Authors: Margo Weisz (TEPRI); Steve Wiese (Frontier Energy), Patrice Parsons (TXSES)
Abstract:
As part of the SEIN Round 3 program, a diverse group of energy stakeholders in Texas set out to develop and pilot new pathways to increase rooftop solar adoption at no upfront cost to low income households. One potentially promising pathway we identified involved combining funding from existing utility and federal programs promoting weatherization and energy efficiency. Our objective was to demonstrate pilot projects that equitably deployed rooftop solar to properties owned or rented by families in disadvantaged communities. Our goal was to create a clear path for low income households to achieve electricity bill relief and to access clean energy by leveraging existing utility energy efficiency programs with existing federal resources, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and/or U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funding in Texas. This has been attempted in a few other states with varying degrees of success, but not yet in Texas.
Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES): Austin Lead
TXSES is a nonprofit, statewide organization that provides education on the critical importance of solar. TXSES advocates for policies that will grow a diverse and equitable solar industry, build healthy and resilient communities, support well-paying jobs, and lay the foundation for a 100% clean energy future.
Role: TXSES coordinated the project in the Austin area and provided educational materials to the stakeholders.
Austin Area Urban League (AAUL)
AAUL is a nonprofit community-based organization that works to build a foundation for social and economic equity and equality. They provide a myriad of services, including weatherization, workforce development, health, and education programs.
Role: AAUL identified households that met both income eligibility and home structure requirements for the rooftop solar funding sources. They are also working with TXSES to provide education to community members about the benefits of solar.
Austin Energy
Austin Energy is the municipally owned electric utility that serves the City of Austin.
Role: Austin Energy is providing funding for the Austin pilot PV systems through its solar rebate program.