Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is seeking a Policy & Advocacy Campaigner to advance solar energy in Texas and several states across the U.S.
This position will focus on helping SUN build a large, impactful, and engaged solar citizen activist movement. In collaboration with respective state teams, the Campaigner will help develop, carry out, and support state (and selective federal) legislative and regulatory campaigns to advance and defend equitable access to distributed solar power.
* The West Region Policy & Advocacy Campaigner will support SUN programs in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada and Texas.
EarthShare Texas unites the voices of our member environmental organizations across Texas, empowering our community to protect and care for our natural resources. We work collaboratively to build connections, support, impactful initiatives, building connections, supporting impactful initiatives and driving forward the environmental movement in Texas. Join us and make a meaningful difference in our state!
Vision A collaborative alliance of environmental organizations, public institutions, and businesses conserving and sustaining a healthy environment for all Texans.
Mission Through collaborative fundraising and partnership building, EarthShare Texas empowers mission-driven members to pursue positive environmental and health impacts across the Lone Star State for the benefit of all
Position Summary
EarthShare Texas seeks an experienced, dynamic, and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and fundraising efforts of EarthShare Texas, ensuring the organization’s mission is carried out effectively and sustainably. This is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with nonprofits, businesses, and communities to advance environmental stewardship across Texas. There is an expectation that this position will have frequent interactions, in person, with staff in the Austin office, and some needed travel throughout the state to meet with funders, partners, and members.
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 CenTexCEO 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.
Reflecting back on 2024, it has been a busy year full of change, promise and fun at TXSES. Our fearless leader, Patrice “Pete” Parsons, has her hands in so many amazing projects at once, that our heads spin and it’s hard to understand how she does it all. From staffing changes, to events and conferences, policy work with our Business Members, and projects, projects, projects, we have done it all this year.
Jane Pulaski, our fantastic Director of Communications since 2020, retired from TXSES in April. Before leaving, she brought on Tamara Kowalski to carry the torch. Marketing & Outreach Coordinator Steven Ugalde left as well as long-time TXSES Research Associate Ethan Miller, who finished graduate school at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin last Spring and now works as a legislative director in the Texas House of Representatives. Data Research Analyst and Technical Advisor intern Mohammad Alkhatib now works as a Tech Analyst with our partner organization, TEPRI (Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute. In September, we were thrilled to bring on current intern & research analyst, Elle Nicholson, a sophomore at UT Austin majoring in philosophy, with plans to pursue a career in international environmental law.
The TXSES Board of Directors also brought on John Hall of HARC (Houston Advanced Research Center) for a special one-year appointment, and Alison Silverstein, who replaced outgoing member Karl Rabago at the end of this three-year term.
Activities
In November, TXSES was a Local Event Partner for the inaugural Texas Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) Regional Conference. Executive Director Patrice “Pete” Parsons opened the event and moderated several panels.
Patrice “Pete” Parsons also spoke at and/or moderated other conferences, including the Texas Clean Energy Summit in San Antonio in September. Steven Ugalde and Tamara Kowalski represented TXSES at RE+ Texas in Houston in May.
In July, TXSES was honored with a “TXSES Day at the Race” on July 15th at the 28th Annual Solar Car Challenge at the Texas Motor Speedway, in Ft. Worth. Patrice “Pete” Parsons welcomed the crowd and waved the start flag to begin the day’s races.
We are proud to be a part of the Texas Solar for All Coalition, which was awarded nearly $250 million in grant funding on Earth Day to deliver residential solar to more than 46,000 low-income and disadvantaged communities and households across Texas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant will accelerate investment in clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, close the solar equity gap, and create green jobs.
In addition, we have been working with our TXSES Business Membersteering committees, legislators in the Texas Legislature, the Public Utilities Commissions of Texas (PUC), and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to tackle issues associated with:
Costly permitting delays for solar installations;
Protecting consumers from unethical solar sales companies;
Reducing regulatory requirements and fees for homeowners currently lumped in with large solar installations.
Highlights of Our Accomplishments in 2024
Commissioned the Value of Residential Solar in Texas study, released in July with the Texans for Local Energy Freedom Coalition, to determine the actual amount of money utilities should be reimbursing rooftop solar owners to offset the cost of solar they are feeding back into the grid.
Solar policy education and outreach to elected officials and the Public Utility Commission of Texas, including developing suggested language for new PUC rules on interconnection issues (see On the Horizon: Streamlined Regulation for Small-Scale Solar), as well as on fair market rates for solar customers based on our Value of Residential Solar in Texas study.
Prepared for the upcoming legislative session by creating several state-wide stakeholder steering committees to determine next steps for:
Protecting consumers from unethical solar salespeople (potentially by licensing through TDLR and possible new legislation) and from consumer loan obligations for incorrectly installed systems; and
Streamlining municipal solar permitting processes by proposing additional language to bills already submitted that would require municipal use of the SolarApp+ platform or similar.
Continued planning for Austin pilot project, “New Pathways for Equitable Rooftop Solar in Texas,” which will install 10 small (3 kilowatt) solar electric systems for income-qualified homeowners in Austin; in partnership with Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, Frontier Energy; supported by Austin Energy through a mix of grant and rebate program funding.
Provided solar installation training for underserved high school students and low-income or hard-to-employ adults in Dallas, Houston and Austin, to prepare them for careers in clean energy; in partnership with Green Careers Texas and with funding from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.
Working to bring a solar array to the Community First! Village in Austin, in order to provide free electricity to more than 370 formerly unhoused neighbors, in cooperation with Austin Energy.
Enthusiastic reception and onsite engagement at inaugural event underscores momentum and opportunity within the state
PORTLAND, ME and AUSTIN, TX: Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA), the premier tradeshow and conference for solar + storage professionals, last week staged its first regional event in Austin, Texas. The inaugural edition brought together more than 600 solar, storage, EV infrastructure, and manufacturing professionals, along with state legislators, regulators, and policy makers.
“We are thrilled with the energy at our first regional event in Texas,” said Wes Doane, Vice President, Intersolar & Energy Storage North America. “Our goal for IESNA Texas was to deliver Texas-specific insights and business opportunities to solar and storage professionals. It was gratifying to see connections being made that will help accelerate the clean energy industry in Texas and beyond. We look forward to continuing the momentum with our next edition of IESNA Texas on November 18-19, 2025 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.”
Thomas Gleeson (Chairman, Public Utility Commission of Texas) discussed meeting the state’s growth in energy demand and the need for grid resilience.
Doug Lewin (Stoic Energy), Beth Garza (R Street Institute), and Caitlin Smith (Jupiter Power) explored several topics, including the grid impact of data center growth, how energy storage helped tackle peak summer demand, and more.
Well-attended conference sessions that focused on the value of distributed energy resources (including technology advancements and cost declines)—as well as the challenges of interconnection and the need for policy reform and market signal consistency.
41 Exhibiting companies (spanning inverters, battery management systems, solar cells and modules, grid services, racking systems, and more), including APsystems, EndurEnergy Systems, EnergyScape Renewables, Novasys Greenergy, TorcSill Foundations, Solarpanelrecycling.com, and Yotta Energy—as well as prominent Texas-based associations Texas Solar Energy Society and Texas Solar Power Association.
A lively Launch Party, relaxing Brain Break Lounge sponsored by Smart Energy Decisions, dynamic “Ask the Experts” lunch, and much more.
Take a comprehensive look at policies, technologies, and market trends at the national and state levels by registering for IESNA’s flagship event—to be held February 25-27, 2025 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.
About Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Intersolar & Energy Storage North America is the premier US-based conference and trade show focused on solar, energy storage, EV charging infrastructure, and manufacturing. Dedicated to accelerating the energy transition, IESNA events deliver insightful education, invaluable networking, and an immersive exhibit hall experience. The flagship event takes place February 25-27, 2025, in San Diego, California; the next regional event takes place November 18-19, 2025, in Grapevine, Texas. To learn more, visit Intersolar.us.
About Diversified Communications Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA, with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third-generation, family-owned business. Learn more: Divcom.com.
