In each Solar Report newsletter, we feature one of our esteemed Platinum Business Members with an exclusive interview. This month, TXSES Communications Director Tamara Kowalski reached out to Solar CenTex CEO Howard “Scot” Arey—past member of the TXSES Board of Directors and active long-term supporter—to delve into the company’s mission, accomplishments, and its impacts on its Central Texas customers.
Origins and Leadership
I started this company in 2013 after I retired from the Army following a 25-year career. I knew that energy would be important to Texas and that solar would be part of the solution. I had a brief stint working for Mission Solar, when it was named Nexolon America, as their plant was being built in San Antonio. That helped me understand what Solar CenTex needed to do to be successful.
Mission and Vision
Our core focus is to provide reliable, value-adding solar systems with the necessary support after the sale. It’s the after-sale support that we have learned is the most important aspect of our work.
Approach to Projects
We focus on residential and rural projects. Our “resi” customers are mostly alike, but not always; they want to save money month to month. Our rural ranch owners have different reasons for installing solar so the first question we ask nearly all is, “why do you want solar?” Some think it’s a silly question, but the answers typically go in several directions.
For some, it is long-term savings, and they see this as an investment to save money. For many, it is distrust of the Texas grid; Uri has left a lasting impression on many and they never want to go through an extended outage again. More and more, we see people who want to keep what they produce because they hear “the utility doesn’t pay you anything for your excess solar.” It’s not quite “nothing” but as many reimburse at a low “avoided cost” we have customers who recognize that batteries enable energy management to store and use what they produce. Finally, we get some who just want to do their part for the environment, and they see their solar contributing to a better environment for Texas. In fact, many who do install solar know that no matter their primary motivation, this is just better for the environment.
Career Impact
The last economic slowdown and the rise in interest rates has been the toughest. We’ve been through several drops and rises on the “solar-coaster” but this last Covid and post-Covid slowdown really leaned us to operate as efficiently as possible and focus on customer needs versus my personal objectives. So many installers went out of business—some deservedly, some not—and that has left a trail of unsupported solar owners who now need a reliable support partner. We see this as central to our company mission today.
Key Accomplishments
It’s regional, but earning the “Best of” from our Killeen Daily Herald means much to me because that means local fellow citizens are voting for us. But my favorite projects have been the off-grid systems. Not many are really suited for true off-grid but we did one in the Hill Country that I secretly yearn to have as my own personal home. They’ve been fully off the grid for 8+ years. It’s really possible, even in Texas.
Industry Surprises and Dynamics
Finding qualified installers. I wish I had done more to support local workforce development and training but even then, having in-house training is essential.
Challenges Faced
Finding skilled, trained installers and electricians has been the top challenge, by far.
Future Outlook
We’ll continue to be conservative in our growth strategy and maintain our focus on Central Texas. Having watched so many try to grow as fast as possible and be all things to all people, I’ve learned that growth for growth’s sake does not necessarily translate to better supported customers. Energy storage will be part of all we do going forward because it unlocks the full potential of solar.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been involved with the Texas Solar Energy Society for over a decade by either serving on its board or being a faithful supporter and follower. I hope all members of our industry recognize that there are forces that influence Texas legislators to be “anti-renewable” but that Texas needs every bit of energy it can produce, whether it be from your roof, a natural gas plant, or a wind farm. So, it is the obligation of every solar installer to make sure their projects are done right and generate not just lots of kilowatt-hours but hundreds and thousands of solar owners who tell their legislators to make solar as easy as possible to adopt in Texas.
Interested in becoming a TXSES Platinum Business Member? Contact Patrice “Pete” Parsons at pparsons@txses.org for details about membership perks, requirements, and how your company can become involved in TXSES’s vibrant community. Whether you’re seeking exclusive benefits or opportunities for collaboration, she can guide you through the process and address any inquiries you may have.