Solar Reflector / Chairman’s Corner — Dec. 2013

By Chris Boyer, TXSES Board Chair

I just returned from my third trip to South Sudan where I have been delivering courses on solar energy and helping young aspiring entrepreneurs start solar installation companies. There, solar electricity is an obvious preference compared to the noisy, polluting small generators that gulp fuel that must be trucked in from another country at a cost of $15/gallon, making the cost of electricity well over $1/kWh. Still, one of the greatest barriers for solar in Africa is the same challenge we face in the United States – educating the public about solar energy.

Here in Texas, one of the greatest contributions toward public awareness of solar energy has been our solar tours. The Houston chapter, North Texas chapter, and the TXSES/Pedernales Electric Coop collaboration did outstanding jobs this year with their solar tours in October, all in concert with the ASES National Solar Tour. North Texas had a record thirty sites on the tour, including a wind turbine manufacturer and a solar panel manufacturer, while Mike Renner’s off-grid house attracted over 56 visitors. Houston kicked off their tour with a breakfast and solar workshop by Texas Solar Outfitters, then off to seven tour sites, and concluded with the “Green Energy Fair” in downtown Houston. TXSES and Pedernales began the tour with Cathy Redson’s Solar 101 presentation, Larry Howe talking about the recent success of Solarize Plano, and Dr. Gary Vliet’s  kids’ solar car workshop.  The tour included homes and ranches with both solar PV and solar thermal installations. You can still check out the tours virtually at www.dfwsolartour.org , www.houstonsolartour.com , and http://www.pec.coop/Home/Energy_Services/altenergy/solaropps/solartour.aspx

As we approach the end of another year, if you are a TXSES member, make sure to cast your vote for the four 2014-2015 Board of Directors positions (ballots went out to active members in an email Dec. 7). And, please support your board members and solar energy by joining or renewing your membership , and volunteering  for TXSES and local chapter  activities.  TXSES will be reaching out to communities in 2014 to promote aggregate buying programs, based on the success of Solar Plano Advocates and their solarize program, featured in this  newsletter – Solarize Plano Initiative Exceeds Expectations.

I look forward to meeting the new TXSES Board and all of you January 25 in Killeen at Texas A&M Central Texas for the next TXSES Annual Meeting. Details and logistics to be announced soon.

Shine on, Texas