Clean Energy In the News

Leaders in city government and Texas education submitted a letter to Gov. Rick Perry this week asking him to focus on making the Lone Star State a leader in solar power.

The letter, written by college campus and city leaders, urges Gov. Perry to consider that “Texas hasn’t capitalized on our (its) natural advantages.”

The supporters of pushing solar power asked Perry to consider a 10-year market development program that uses financial incentives to attract manufacturers to the state.

They added: “Texans who purchase solar systems for their homes receive very little compensation for the benefits they provide to the rest of society, including reduction in peak demand and pollution.”

The leaders behind the letter suggest having electric companies offer incentives and rebates up front to reduce the cost of solar and to encourage more homeowners to use this power technology.

Supporters of the initiative said they have a goal of developing 1,000 megawatts of solar energy in Texas by 2015 and 5,000 watts by 2025.