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Texas is now leading the nation with the most power generated from wind power, but we also lead the nation with the greatest solar resource—which remains largely untapped.
Solar power has the least impact on the environment, and Environment Texas and our allies have been encouraging our leaders to help Texas take advantage of solar energy.
On Mar. 1, Rep. Garnet Coleman (Houston) filed the Environment Texas-backed HB 2226 to create a solar energy rebate program. The legislation would provide incentives to homeowners and businesses to install solar on 50,000 Texas rooftops over five years.
We can protect our environment and move to a cleaner energy future by using our technological know-how to tap into solar energy. From the NASA researchers innovating new solar technologies at Johnson Space Center to the small businesses installing solar panels on Texas rooftops, solar power is expanding unaided. Attracted by its clean, reliable, and independent energy, solar is being used by schools, homes, even the oil industry. With some incentives in place, Texas can put 50,000 solar panels on rooftops across the state.
The Legislature helped create a boom for wind power in Texas. Now it’s time for them to help Texas “Go Solar” by creating incentives for homeowners and businesses to install solar power. A small investment now could bring billions in investment to the state over the next decade and help bring clear, blue skies back to Texas.
Building a solar economy
The price of solar panels has declined dramatically over the last two decades, but it is still not cost-effective for most homeowners and businesses. However, with incentives from the state, solar could get the kick-start it needs to get up and running. With growth in demand, the economies of scale will help make solar affordable for everybody.
The Go Solar fund
Environment Texas is working to get the Legislature to establish a half-billion dollar solar energy fund that provides incentives for consumers who install solar systems. Modeled on a successful Austin Energy program, HB 2226 (Coleman) would put solar on more than 50,000 Texas rooftops in just five years.
Solar can bring blue skies to Texas
Solar power is pollution-free and unlike coal or nuclear power, has no water requirements. By reducing demand for fossil fuels, the solar energy fund will help protect Texas’ environment and reduce the pollution that causes smog and global warming. By 2012, the program will:
• Eliminate 5,000 tons of smog pollution;
• Eliminate 3 million tons of global warming pollution; and
• Conserve 11.6 million gallons of water.
Austin program is model for Texas
Austin’s municipally owned utility has a very successful solar rebate program that has helped hundreds of homeowners, schools and businesses install solar panels. After Austin’s rebate and federal tax credits, an average 3 kilowatt residential solar system on an 1,800-square-foot house costs about $7,000.
If the solar system is financed, savings on the electric bill are greater than the monthly payments on your loan, which means you save money from day one. However, this rebate isn’t available in the rest of Texas, so most folks aren’t able to affordably install solar. |
