How is distributed solar permitting doing in Texas?
Platinum Business Member Ohm Analytics recently shared select data for Texas permits issued for distributed solar installations for 2022-Q1 2023. 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 […]
Clean Energy Legislation Update
Automated Permitting Speeds U.S. Solar Adoption
NREL 5/3/23 Most rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are required to go through a permitting process implemented by local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), such as community or county governments. But, as rooftop PV becomes more efficient and accessible, it is straining the capacity of AHJs nationwide to issue permits. The Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+) […]
Educating and Training the Texas Solar Workforce
Since 2016, the not-for-profit Green Careers Dallas (GCD) has been helping those in greatest need of access become part of Texas’ rapidly growing solar workforce. Under the visionary leadership of Tracy Wallace, disadvantaged communities in Dallas now have opportunities for social, environmental and economic justice through renewable energy. “The inspiration to recruit hard-to-employ yet highly-motivated […]
Clean Energy Legislation Making Its Way Through the 88th Texas Legislature
There are a number of clean energy bills making their way through the current Texas legislative session. Here are three that TXSES is keeping an eye on. HB 3010 by Rep. Zwiener, relating to the building code process to help reduce solar’s soft costs. PDF. HB 4455 by Rep. DeAyala, relating to the regulation by […]
Cheaper power, more resilient grid, climate change panacea: Texas reality or fantasy?
By Patrice ‘Pete’ ParsonsExecutive Director Following the nearly complete failure of the ERCOT energy grid during Winter Storm Uri, Texans have been awaiting legislation to protect the stability of the grid. Unfortunately, the actions of the Texas Senate reflect the desires of corporate insiders more than everyday Texans. Despite research that points to the failure […]
TXSES Partnering to Build the Pipeline for Texas’ Clean Energy Workforce
Austin, TX – The Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) today announced it is part of a team that has received a contract from the Texas Comptroller’s State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to prepare current and future students and individuals for careers in clean energy. These funds will support TXSES’s mission to ensure equitable access to solar […]
Texas SB 857, Performance Credit Mechanism: who benefits?
One of the more talked about energy bills filed in the current 88th legislative session, SB 857 and companion SJR 45 is raising lots of eyebrows. According to latest news reports, the proposed Performance Credit Mechanism could add up to $5.7 billion per year to our electric bills. Billion. Annually. Debate is heated over who […]
Net Metering in Texas: What Are Your Options?
If you’re considering going solar, you might be wondering if your utility will compensate you for pushing electricity you’re not using back onto the grid. These customers are only billed for the ‘net’ energy they use each month. While Texas doesn’t offer statewide net metering, some utilities do offer it. Referred to as ‘buyback plans,’ […]
Solar Solutions for Texas Electric Cooperatives
Virtual WorkshopWednesday, February 15, 2023 Designed for local Texas rural electric cooperatives, TXSES coordinated this workshop featuring national, regional and local experts who addressed questions that co-op members and staff are asking in the current energy transition. These questions center around the rising interest in solar energy and storage and other distributed energy resources, from […]