Another year is coming to close for the Texas Solar Energy Society. By the time you’re reading this, we’re planning for our annual meeting at the A&M Renewable Energy Lab January 31 and anticipating the new board who will be making plans for 2015.
Now that I’ve served two years with the board, I feel like I’ve gained enough non-profit experiences to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what we can do even better.
First – the good
And there is lots of that. The ultimate measure of a non-profit advocacy group is whether what we’re talking about is being received – and we’re all about educating solar consumers! No doubt that is growing. Texas solar adoption is taking off at the residential level as consumers install solar on their roofs and in their backyards. Whether to lower their electric bills or to gain energy reliability and security with a grid-tied battery backup system, Texas consumers are voting with their rooftops by installing solar modules.
I’m satisfied that TXSES has slightly amended its mission statement. While to some just words, to any focused organization the mission drives our actions. Now we’ve recognized that Texas solar installers have a role in educating Texas consumers.
The Cool House Tour was a resounding success. That’s important for those of you outside Austin because this CHT is a fantastic model for other TXSES chapters and regions that want to host their own amazing educational event. This event doesn’t happen by itself. Our Executive Director tirelessly works this in collaboration with Austin Energy – so here is a shout out for Lucy! Thank you. I love volunteering for this (even if it means manning a bus station that brings guests into a tight-spaced neighborhood) because I meet so many people from across the state that come to Austin just to see these energy efficient, sustainably built homes, often with solar. This event has amazing potential to grow from a one-day tour to a “night before” social and educational forum where the homeowners, builders, and architects can lay out their visions to a public that is yearning for more smart building.
We’ve recognized that electric cooperatives are essential to the next phase of Texas solar expansion. Each month, we see more of the co-ops expand their solar policies to make it easier for their members to install solar. I know this will be a big part of our efforts next year.
Here is where I think we can do more next year