Texas’ solar industry is in overdrive, and it’s not just because of the extreme weather.
Solar APP+ software: just the thing to reduce solar installation costs
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National Interconnection Report: how did Texas score?
The latest state results from Freeing the Grid, the highly-regarded report from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is in. Sadly, but perhaps not surprisingly, Texas scores a 'D' for its interconnection policies and processes On the brighter side, this...
SEIA’s New Consumer Education Resources Ready for Incoming Solar Customers
SEIA Press ReleaseJune 1, 2023 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...
The 88th legislature: it’s a wrap!
By Ethan MillerTXSES Intern With the gaveling of Sine Die on May 29 for the 88th Texas Legislative Session, Texas successfully avoided the passage of catastrophic anti-renewable bills like SB 7 and SB 624. However, several bills, including those that would further...
Texas renewables live to fight another day
We breathe a sigh of relief that the 88th regular legislative session is over. By all accounts, this session featured a legislature run amok in obstinate animosity to adapt and evolve.
Legislation Update
We’ve been following three solar-related bills this session. For the most current information about any legislation, visit LegiScan. HB 3010 by Rep. Zwiener (D-45) requiring municipal/county governments to use SolarApp+ (or another online program with similar...
Houses of worship go solar
TXSES and Environment America hosted a panel discussion about houses of worship going solar.
Wind and solar energy saved Texans $11 billion in 2022
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...
Connecting to the Texas grid
By Patrice 'Pete' Parsons, TXSES Executive Director On May 4, 2023, I attended the Public Utility Commission’s (PUCT) distributed energy resources (DER) workshop Docket 54233 as it considers updating DER interconnection standards and DER technical standards. The goal...
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’...
Clean Energy Legislation Update
HB 3010. Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-45). HB 3010, requiring municipal/county governments to use SolarApp+ (or another online program with similar capabilities) to streamline the solar permitting process, is currently stalled. Referred to House State Affairs committee on...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
2023 TXSES Annual Meeting Recording and Presentations
Missed our Annual Meeting? No problem. Here’s the recorded version!