The Texas Solar Energy Society board of directors is undertaking a review of its core mission and strategy because the time is right to “renew our vows” with the Texas public and the ever-expanding Texas solar community. Texas solar is no longer in a “will it happen” environment; instead we’re facing a “how fast will it grow” world. That’s great news and it’s because of the work and efforts of you, policy-makers, and industry leaders, both large and small, that Texas solar projects are headlining the industry publications.
So it’s appropriate for the board and our executive director to look inward to ensure we’re supporting this next stage of solar development. With the new board elections in January, and through board and sub-committee meetings over the past two months, we’re proud to announce a revised mission statement for the society:
Educate citizens on the value of solar energy for their homes and in their communities, empower them to make informed decisions, and encourage them to connect with professional Texas solar businesses.
The core themes reflect what we want to be for Texas.
Educate: TXSES has always been about education and information so you can learn how solar can improve your finances, your community, and the environment. That’s not going to change. We reinforced this central tenet in our new mission statement. In the months ahead, you’ll see us redouble our efforts to bring solar education across all of Texas.
Empower: An informed consumer is an empowered consumer. More than just educating however, empowering means giving the knowledge and the means to pursue solar. Look for how we make that consumer – business connection to become better for everybody.
Encourage: TXSES wants its citizens to connect with the Texas solar businesses that have led the professional growth of the industry here, and will bring it forward to the next stage. The example that our business members have set in their conduct and excellence will be examples for the new Texas solar businesses that must be created to support the industry expansion. We’ll work to link up empowered consumers with the professional businesses that will make this happen – it will be a powerful combination.
Some might wonder about the simple words, “for their homes and in their communities.” These words are here for a real purpose because it gives focus to where we intend to operate and that’s the grassroots level of Texas solar. While solar “farms” go up for the major utilities and municipalities, and we love that, we also know that distributed rooftop solar on your own roof and backyard, and on your local businesses and schools, is the epitome of energy independence. “Local” solar will be important to helping Texas get through its next 10 years of growth, and we want to support that as best as we can.
We look forward to hearing your feedback. This statement is important because it will give focus to our future strategy development in the months ahead.
I’ll keep you updated.
Scot Arey
Scot Arey is the 2014 Chairman of the TXSES Board of Directors. Recently retired from the Army, he is the founder and partner of Central Texas’ only hometown solar installer – Solar CenTex, Killeen TX- and is leading a team of veterans to serve his community and the state.