Better Protections, Better Solar: What Texans Need to Know About New TDLR Rules
by Patrice “Pete” Parsons, TXSES Executive Director Over the past few years, TXSES has received a growing number of calls from consumers who were misled by inaccurate information from solar salespeople or harmed by poor installation practices. In some cases, systems were installed that produced little to no energy—what I’ve come to call “solar decorations.” […]
Energy Security in a Volatile World: Why Texas Is Different
by Drew A. Kassel, PhD, Webber Energy Group, UT Austin When the Strait of Hormuz closed in February 2026, nearly a quarter of global oil supply and roughly one-fifth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows were suddenly at risk. Within weeks, Brent crude prices surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022, […]
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 […]
Industry Spotlight: Enphase Energy
In each edition of The Solar Report, we feature one of our highly regarded Platinum Business Members with an exclusive interview. This edition, TXSES Communications Director Tamara Kowalski reached out to new Platinum Business Members Enphase Energy and Ethan Moskowitz, Regional Sales Manager–South Central US to learn about the company’s history, mission, accomplishments, and impacts on customers. What inspired you to […]
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 […]