by Patrice “Pete” Parsons, TXSES Executive Director
Texas is experiencing unprecedented energy load growth, increasing grid instability, rising energy costs, and more frequent extreme weather events—trends that are expected to continue for years to come. Distributed solar and storage are no longer optional technologies; they are essential tools for resilience, affordability, and grid reliability.
As TXSES celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, our Board of Directors and staff have been working diligently to develop a new Strategic Plan that will guide the organization through 2031 and help ensure that all Texans can benefit from the energy solutions of the future.
For five decades, TXSES has been Texas’ leading independent nonprofit solar education organization, providing trusted, fact-based resources that inspire innovation, share best practices, and inform decision-makers about the importance of strong, forward-looking solar energy policies. Building on that foundation, our renewed focus is to make distributed solar and storage an integral part of Texas’ energy future and accessible to all Texans.
Our Mission
To expand access to clean, local solar, storage, and distributed energy resources so that every Texan can benefit from affordable, reliable local power.
Our Vision
A Texas where every person can access, understand, and adopt solar, storage, and emerging clean energy solutions—strengthening resilience, lowering energy costs, and empowering thriving communities.
Strategic Priorities for 2026–2031
Over the next five years, TXSES will focus on five key priorities:
- Advocating for policies that recognize the full value of distributed solar and storage and create stronger market signals for current and future solar adopters;
- Streamlining distributed solar and battery installation processes to improve access across Texas;
- Delivering tangible value to our members while strengthening Texas’ solar and storage industry ecosystem;
- Protecting, educating, and empowering Texas consumers—especially low- and moderate-income households; and
- Advancing equitable access to distributed energy resources for all Texans and their communities.
With the support of our members, TXSES will continue working to strengthen Texas communities, lower energy burdens, improve affordability, and enhance resilience for decades to come.
We invite you to read our full 2026–2031 Strategic Plan to learn more about the goals and initiatives that will guide our work in the years ahead.
As part of these efforts, during the next Texas legislative session, TXSES will advocate for policies that recognize and compensate customers for the full value that distributed solar and storage provide to the electric grid, local communities, and Texas ratepayers. We will also support innovative solutions such as balcony solar, which would expand access to solar energy for renters and residents of multifamily housing. In addition, TXSES will remain actively engaged in discussions surrounding the rapid growth of data centers in Texas to help ensure that distributed solar and storage are included in strategies to meet the state’s evolving energy needs while maintaining grid reliability and affordability.
Celebrate 50 Years of TXSES at SOLAR 2026
To mark our 50th anniversary, TXSES is proud to help coordinate the American Solar Energy Society’s SOLAR 2026 Conference, taking place October 19–21, 2026, in Austin, Texas.
The conference will feature nationally recognized speakers, including Bill McKibben, along with thought-provoking sessions covering topics important to the solar industry, homeowners, communities, and the electric grid. More speakers will be announced next week!
TXSES will also host its 50th Anniversary Celebration on the evening of Wednesday, October 21. Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring great food, live entertainment, and a special musical performance as we celebrate five decades of advancing solar energy in Texas.
You do not need to register for the conference to attend the anniversary celebration. Tickets are available here, and Early Bird pricing ends June 30th. Hope to see you there!