Power When It Matters Most: Texas’ Backup Power Package Program
by Alison Silverstein, TXSES Board Member When the Texas Legislature created the $10 billion Texas Energy Fund in 2023 to fund new generation after Winter Storm Uri, they set aside $1.8 billion of that Fund to help qualifying entities acquire and install Texas Backup Power Packages (TBPPs) at critical facilities that support community health, safety […]
Renewable Development in the “Golden Age” of AI
by Elle Nicholson, TXSES Researcher The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence over the past few years has often been described as the “golden age” of AI. Companies have been racing to innovate, using AI to cut costs and improve efficiency. This surge in AI usage, along with an ever-growing interest in cryptocurrencies, has accelerated construction […]
Closing the Loop: The Rise of Solar Panel Recycling
by Elle Nicholson, TXSES A common concern about solar energy is that the technology is less environmentally friendly than it seems once panels reach the end of their life cycle. With an average lifespan of about 30 years, solar panels are projected to generate up to 80 million tons of waste by 2050—a challenge for landfills […]
Beyond Panels: Innovations Driving the Next Era of Solar (Op-Ed)
by Jadyn Winsett, Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation Texas has gotten about 14% of its energy from the sun so far this year, but it’s reaching its limits with limited roof space, aesthetic concerns, high costs, permitting delays, and stagnant panel efficiency. If Texas wants to continue to lead in renewable power, it must embrace […]
Balcony Solar Panels: The Future of Urban Energy?
By Elle Nicholson, TXSES Researcher Historically, solar panels have not always been feasible in urban environments due to spacing issues. However, new solar technology has recently emerged that can provide renewable energy even in limited spaces. Balcony solar panels are compact (300–800 watt) systems consisting of a few PV panels, an inverter, and battery storage. […]
Solar Legislation Passed in Texas’s 89th Legislative Session
Three major solar-related laws that TXSES worked on getting passed in the last Texas legislative session went into effect on September 1, 2025. One was on streamlining solar permitting (SB 1202) and two were on consumer protection (SB 1697 & SB 1036). Details for each are laid out below. Permitting – SB 1202 Streamlines permitting […]
Solar Tax Credits Are Under Threat in Congress
The Residential Clean Energy Credit, also known as the Section 25D tax credit, is a 30% federal tax credit available to homeowners who install rooftop solar. It is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the income taxes an individual owes, making solar installations much more affordable. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the credit was set to […]
Austin Energy Launches New Solar Standard Offer Program
Austin Energy has launched a new solar program that is the first of it’s kind in the industry. The Solar Standard Offer Program will let commercial customers lease out their rooftops and/or parking lots for solar installations—at no cost to themselves—and to be compensated for the solar power generated. The program will allow property owners […]
2025: What Can We Expect in the 89th Texas Legislature? (Updated)
By Patrice “Pete” Parsons, TXSES Executive Director We are saying goodbye to a very busy, yet successful 2024, and are just as energized by the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in 2025. There is plenty to tackle. Although in many ways, last year marked some significant milestones for solar energy in Texas, with record-setting […]
New Value of Solar Study: Rooftop Solar Cuts Costs for the Texas Grid
TXSES commissioned a new study quantifying grid-stabilizing value and cost savings of rooftop solar For Immediate Release: July 16, 2024Contact: José Medina, jmedina@citizen.org AUSTIN, Texas—Energy supplied by rooftop solar is much more valuable than the average kilowatt-hour sent to the ERCOT grid by other means, finds a new study commissioned by the Texas Solar Energy […]