Thanks to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools grant program, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) will install solar panels on 16 campuses to build more energy-efficient infrastructure at its facilities.
The project, which could cost up to $15 million, is meant to reduce costs, lower the district’s carbon footprint and educate students on energy efficiency.
The Austin district was one of 24 districts nationwide – and the only one in Texas – to receive an energy grant, according to the federal government.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Today the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is releasing a suite of new and updated resources for consumers to meet the increase in demand for solar power created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
With the IRA’s incentives in place and energy bills weighing on family budgets, consumers are eager to add solar and storage to their energy mix. SEIA’s new resources are designed to help make the process as easy and straightforward as possible so they can make the best decision for their family.
“The Inflation Reduction Act has launched a wave of new interest in reliable, low-cost solar power,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “SEIA’s new consumer education resources are helping to meet this transformational moment and empower all Americans to confidently access the benefits of our solar-powered future.”
The materials released today are a part of SEIA’s Consumer Protection Portal, a collection of free information that helps consumers access solar energy and helps businesses navigate complex consumer protection laws.
For consumers, SEIA is releasing an updated Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power that explains the basics of solar and storage and shares residential financing options, smart shopping tips, and frequently asked questions. In addition, SEIA has updated its factsheets on the Section 25D residential tax credit and California’s net billing program so that consumers can understand how to utilize these incentives to get the most out of their solar installation.
Now that standalone energy storage systems qualify for federal incentives under the IRA, many consumers are also adding batteries to boost resilience and run their homes on solar power around the clock. SEIA’s new resources explain the benefits of solar + storage systems, share information about which systems qualify for the tax credit, and offer advice on the questions consumers should ask when considering a solar + storage system.
For businesses, SEIA has created a Consumer Protection 101 video course that’s part of its flagship Solar 101 Program and is available for free on SEIA’s Online Learning Center. In the coming months, SEIA will also be conducting a comprehensive update to its Consumer Protection Primer, an overview of state and federal laws related to consumer protection in the solar industry.
To make these resources as accessible as possible, SEIA is also in the process of translating the documents in the Consumer Protection Portal to Spanish.
“Solar remains one of the most popular energy sources in America, and these new tools will help even more Americans use solar for the first time,” said Hopper.
TXSES Platinum Business Member Big Sun Solar is helping businesses with their sustainability reporting to help illustrate their commitment to addressing ESG issues and creating long-term value for all stakeholders, attracting customers and employees.
Overall, solar energy can be an effective tool for businesses looking to meet ESG goals. It can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs, enhance corporate social responsibility and meet regulatory requirements.
As a part of business’s plan to meet ESG goals, businesses will publish annual corporate sustainability reports and Big Sun Solar provides data support for large global reporting projects like carbon disclosure project (CDP), Science Based Target initiative and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or smaller efforts like local energy benchmarking.
A detailed examination of the Texas wholesale electricity market showed wind and solar power generation saved the state approximately $11 billion in 2022. The report, led by Dr. Joshua Rhodes and produced by Ideasmiths, projects that expanding wind and solar capacity could save Texans between $6.1 billion and $15.2 billion per year. This figure marks a nearly 300% increase from previous years. From 2010 to the end of 2022, wind and solar generation produced $31.5 billion in wholesale electricity savings, benefiting all Texas households.
This value is only expected to grow as wind and solar capacity fill the state’s power grid queue.
From 2018 to 2022, these savings led to an average annual reduction of over $200 in electricity costs for the average Texas household. As wind and solar installation increases, this figure is expected to rise.
Tracking market volume, growth, pricing and equipment trends in over 50 major metro areas in the U.S., Ohm Analytics’ platform aggregates a proprietary database of solar projects in the U.S. based on permit and interconnection data.
According to Ohm, Q1 2023 was characterized by a marked downturn in annualized growth across most southern markets, including key solar states Arizona, Florida, Nevada and Texas.
“The 12% decline is a result of an uncertain macro-economic environment coupled with tightening credit markets,” said Joseph Wyer, Clean Energy and Policy Analyst, Ohm Analytics. “This has really impacted the value of solar in low-cost energy states like Texas,” he said.
Texas cities that have experienced the greatest reduction in residential building permits are: Grand Prairie (-53%); Arlington (-37%); Mesquite (-36%); Houston (-22%); and San Antonio (-20%). To accommodate this fluid environment, sales organizations shifted their focus on higher growth markets in the northeast where despite an increase in consumer’s monthly system payments, those costs are still well below a consumer’s monthly utility costs.
What’s the outlook for the remainder of 2023?
“Credit impacts, like higher interest rates, increased dealer and installer fees, will continue to create headwinds through 2023,” said Wyer. Rising utility rates and adoption of third-party ownership as an alternative to financing will help drive a partial recovery.
Looking ahead to 2024, Ohm Analytics still sees strong fundamentals in the Texas market for long-term growth based on consumer demand for resiliency amidst a backdrop of rising utility rates.
When I first became involved with TXSES nearly a decade ago, the biggest challenge was solar adoption by the mainstream. Today, the debate is on how much solar will be integrated to the Texas / ERCOT grid. We know the right answer – let Texas entrepreneurs and innovators integrate renewables and storage on the grid so that it’s more reliable and less expensive for everyone, allowing for the marketplace to define its natural limit.
This happened because of you.
What started a decade ago as grassroots support morphed into something more powerful: grassroots support paired with industry support! TXSES’ members knew they could lower their electric bills and back up their essential household loads but today, industry leaders know that zero-fuel-cost solar with innovative technologies makes solar essential to the grid.
TXSES is helping to make sure that solar is never held back by its own actions.
Its programs and educational efforts will ensure that when Texas calls for more energy, solar can say, “we have more to provide!” Workforce development must always be a foundational pillar and the work TXSES does with the “From Classroom to Career Building: Building the Pipeline for Texas’ Clean Energy Workforce” program with the State Energy Conservation Office means that high school graduates can have the skills to move into well-paying, rewarding careers. Ensuring every member of society, no matter their income level, has the opportunity to invest in low-cost energy for their homes is another positive outcome we anticipate from our new collaboration with the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute. Everyone should have the financial tools to protect themselves from rising energy costs, so financial model innovations are as important as technical innovations.
Making this all come together takes financial resources. We’re proud to have brought on a new Director of Development to help identify, compete for, and win the grants so solar can expand its footprint across Texas. Competition for grants is tough but when foundation leaders hear what we’re doing in Texas, they step up. We’re thankful for all the support we receive. Whether from charitable foundations, or our business members who have invested in TXSES, or individual members who are the original solar advocates in Texas – we thank you for your generous and frequent support.
As I conclude my second term as the TXSES board chair, let me say a few thank you’s.
All things start and end with the Executive Director, Patrice ‘Pete’ Parsons, who does so much for the organization. Me and my fellow board members remain inspired with what she accomplishes. Pete is the exemplar of passion and energy. Thanks to every board member who volunteered to serve. Each of you, past and present, has brought unique skills, viewpoints, and relationships that help TXSES “punch above its weight.” Keep casting the net wide and far for those who are enthusiastic about our important mission.
The final thanks are to you, our TXSES members and #1 advocate for what we do. At TXSES, we don’t lobby. We don’t write legislation. But as we’ve done for more than four decades, we support people and programs that educate all Texans about the benefits of solar for all Texans.
Lastly, the Texas Legislature convenes in January for its biannual session. We’ll continue to be on point identifying critical issues and providing independent insight. Make sure you tell your Representative and Senator that solar is important to you and important for Texas.
Solar has enjoyed great success across Texas these past years. Even more opportunities lie ahead. It’s been my great privilege to be around the very best solar advocates to contribute to the TXSES mission. Thank you for letting me be part of this important group.
