Texas Solar Roundup
July 1, 2020
Welcome to the State of Texas Solar, where we discuss all things solar in the Lone Star State.
In the past year, the Texas solar market has experienced record-breaking growth. As they say, everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the demand for solar! In true Texas spirit, the charge for solar has created friendly competition in cities statewide.
Most recently, three major Texas cities have hit major milestones in just the past few months.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Commits to Alternative Energy Goals
First, we’ll head down south to the energy capital of the world: Houston. In the past two months, we’ve seen bold action in an effort to increase the city’s sustainability.
On April 30, 2020, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made an announcement. He noted the city was committing to 100% alternative energy for all municipal operations, beginning in July of this year. That’s well ahead of schedule and reinforces Houston’s leadership as the top U.S. municipal alternative energy user, per the EPA.
This is the first initiative as part of the city’s Climate Action Plan. What’s that, you ask? It’s a strategy for Houston to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and be a global energy transition leader.
“This announcement is a shining example of how the Houston Climate Action Plan is already in motion. Expanding our renewable energy investment through our partnership with NRG helps us build a more sustainable city and save over $9 million per year on our electric bill. Together, we are leading by example and showing how to reduce emissions in the Energy Capital of the World,” said Mayor Turner.
Turner also wants to develop one of the largest urban solar farms in the U.S. on a 300-acre dormant landfill, per Bloomberg. Environment Texas notes distributed solar installations for Houston homes and businesses have doubled over the past two years.
“Houston is quickly moving up the ranks of American cities for solar,” Luke Metzger, the nonprofit’s executive director, said in an email to Bloomberg. “We’re seeing similar growth in the suburbs as well.”
San Antonio Is the No. 1 City in Texas for Solar Energy Production
The Alamo City is next in the Texas solar roundup. In May, Environment Texas recognized San Antonio as a “shining city” for the seventh year running. The city achieved its highest ranking so far as the fifth-largest solar city in the U.S. and the largest in Texas.
San Antonio can attribute its success to the nearly 67.6 megawatts of solar capacity it’s installed within the past year. That’s a 36% increase over 2019, while U.S. capacity grew by 23% overall.
[Related: 10 Reasons Why Solar Should Be Every Homeowner’s Next Investment]
Austin Is the No. 1 City in the U.S. for Solar Power per Capita
Last but certainly not least, we have the Bat City, keepin’ it weird and keepin’ it solar.
In May, Austin ranked as the leading U.S. city for solar power available per person, beating out Los Angeles. The city ranked 14th in the nation for solar energy produced inside the city limits. This is positive progress toward Austin’s initiatives:
- Its community-wide goal to reach 100% carbon-free electricity generation by 2035
- Its citywide push to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
While the solar revolution has been bright in many Texas cities, we still see lagging areas.
One of those is the Big D. After all, its solar streak tends to be comparable with that of the Cowboys (bless their hearts). Not much has changed since we reported that Dallas has been slower to embrace the solar revolution than most other major Texas cities. But we still have hope for you, DFW!
Here at Freedom Solar Power, we’ve been seeing more demand for solar on the western side of the Metroplex and in the outlying cities. Maybe the suburbs will save you, Dallas!
It’s clear that the Texas grid is headed toward more alternative energy. This Texas solar trend is here to stay, and Texans are clearly ready to seize it. They understand the environmental and financial benefits and are choosing energy independence.
[Related: To Understand the Inevitability of Texas Solar Power, Just Look at Efforts To Stop It]
Learn More With Freedom Solar
At Freedom Solar, we’re Texas natives and passionate about the state’s alternative energy efforts.
Are you looking to maintain, repair or upgrade your solar system in the Texas area? Our solar maintenance and repair department can help you get maximum energy production and efficiency. Or maybe you’re interested in Texas solar rebates and incentives and your solar financing options.
Well, we’ve got your back. From installing market-leading SunPower® solar panels to adding backup power solutions, we’ll make your Texas solar vision shine.
We’d love to help you reach your energy goals at your home or business! Call us at (800) 504-2337 or fill out our contact form. and one of our energy consultants will be in touch.
