Episode 40 | April 24, 2019
A season one finale host roundtable! Kyle Frazier, Tim Duffy, and Sherren Harter gather in our Austin studio for a recap of the inaugural season of Texas Energy Lab. We recount our favorite episodes, share what we’ve learned over the past year, and discuss what the future may hold for energy, sustainability, and season two.
Season One Highlights
The hosting team recounted favorite episodes including those with Paul Hobby, Moses West, and John Dromgoole, Josh Rhodes, John Pitts Jr, and Marc Richmond of Texas Green Realty.
We had mixed reactions amongst ourselves about the kids’ episode and our trips on the road to Marfa and Community First! Village.
Over the past season, we have covered environmental, social, and economic sustainability through the lens of energy, water, waste, transportation, and more.
Looking ahead to season two, we are excited about bringing in more business owners to talk about their experience implementing commercial solar energy systems and other initiatives that demonstrate the intersection of profitability and sustainability. We also hope to explore more local personalities and organizations who are on the leading edge of innovation.
Future: continued improvement in panel technology, 30% tax credit driving growth this year. Kyle, snowball has continued to grow. We’re seeing that now more in the deregulated electricity markets, where most of the population lives. Kyle: “The tax credit will step down, but I don’t think that the momentum will slow down.” Also sees EVs reaching mainstream. Lots of manufacturers bringing all-electric cars to market. Batteries are another piece of the snow ball that’s forming.
Season Two and Beyond
Looking ahead to season two, we are excited about bringing in more business owners to talk about their experience implementing commercial solar energy systems and other initiatives that demonstrate the intersection of profitability and sustainability. We also hope to explore more local personalities and organizations who are on the leading edge of innovation.
What are the team’s predictions for what’s ahead in energy next year? The growth in solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicles will continue to snowball as those technologies begin to reach the mainstream market. The acceleration will be driven by continued improvements in solar panel technology, the 30 percent investment tax credit for solar and battery systems that will be stepping down after this year, demand for solar energy in the deregulated electricity markets where most of the population lives, the introduction of electric cars and trucks by major auto manufacturers, and ever-lower battery costs.
As Kyle says about the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), “The tax credit will step down, but I don’t think that the momentum will slow down.”
With that, we thank you for your support over the past year and will see you next season!
Be sure to check the great interviews with Texas business leaders who are using 21st century tools to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their profitability in the Texas Energy Lab Radio each week!
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