A Texans Guide to Residential Solar Panels

April 10, 2019 mvacek

Thinking about installing solar panels in your home? Not sure where to start? Well you’re not alone. Several Texas residents have looked into installing solar panels to power their homes but have been overwhelmed with options and information. Over the past few years, Texans who live in residential areas have probably been approached at least once by door to door salespeople asking if they were interested in installing solar panels. This can be a turn off for a lot of people, but solar panels have proven to be a cheaper and greener alternative. Here is a list of things you should know if you’re looking to power your home with solar energy.

First Steps

Before starting the the process of getting solar panels for your home, you should first think about ways to make your home more energy efficient. Taking these extra steps can save you more money quickly. For more advice on how to make your home more energy efficient, take a look at the Smarter House website of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. If you want a professional opinion you can also reach out to a professional energy audit.

Installing solar panels in your home could even grant you incentives from the government. For more information on government policies and incentives related to solar energy, visit the DSIRE website. This organization remains up to date with federal, state, and local policies.

How Solar Panels Work

So how do solar panels save you money? In order to understand how this energy alternative, you have to look at how solar panels operate. Solar modules convert sunlight into electricity measured in kilowatt-hours. Either you use all of the solar electricity or it goes into the electric grid. The amount of electricity generated throughout the day, or your system’s “yield”, will depend on specifications such as the array’s tilt, orientation (north, east, south, west), shade, DC-AC conversion ratio, and a few other factors. The TXSES and Department of Energy websites offer additional basic solar details.

It’s important to understand that your utility affects your electric bill and there are policies that are specific to the state of Texas. Some utilities will only charge you for your “net” energy use, so basically you pay the remainder of the energy that use in your home. Other utilities might compensate you for unused electricity that is sent into the grid at a lower rate.

Incentives

Austin Energy has adopted a system called a “value of solar” rate where all your solar energy is credited to your bill at a pre-set rate which would offset your electric consumption charges. Make sure to check with your electric utility to learn how their solar rate works. DSIRE is also a great source to check out about more solar policies.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows eligible homeowners who purchase solar energy systems to claim an income tax credit that is up to 30 percent of the installment cost. This credit is currently available until the end of 2021, for more incentives check out The Department of Energy and DSIRE websites as well as your electric utility and city government websites.

Edited: AJ

February 8, 2019February 8, 2019 avalverd

Republican Mayor, Dale Ross, Turns the City of Georgetown, Texas 100% Renewable

The perfect model for turning your cities energy from non-renewable to renewable

Why the Change?

Georgetown has set itself apart from other renewable energy based cities with its emphasis on economics instead of the environment. Mayor Dale Ross said, “we’re doing this because it’s good for our citizens. Cheaper electricity is better. Clean energy is better than fossil fuels.” Ross wanted to make sure he wasn’t being mixed in with the liberal agenda being a Republican from Texas.

While Ross was reviewing energy contracts and researching suppliers, he noticed that solar and wind energy offered a 20 – 25 years contract, whereas natural gas contracts were only a 5 – 7 years contract. He saw an economic opportunity for the future and didn’t hesitate on his decision to move to renewable energy. Since the change, the people of Georgetown’s kilowatt per hour continue to drop.

Pecos County Solar Farm

Making it Happen

The Planning began in 2014 when NRG Energy Inc. and EDF Renewable Energy combined efforts to make Georgetown, Texas 100 percent renewable. It took just two years to make Ross’s decision a reality. If this isn’t a model renewable energy city, I don’t know what is. With the help of Pecos County, NRG Energy, Wells Fargo, and Swinerton Renewable Energy, Georgetown is now the biggest solar and wind energy provider in the country. Buckthorn solar plant is responsible for the majority of the energy with its 1.7 million solar panels across Pecos County, But that’s not it. They are backed by Spinning Spur 3, South Mesa and South Trent Wind farms to complete the 100 percent renewable energy source.

Paving the Way for a Renewable Future

Georgetown has been a flawless example of what can happen when you back your plans with intent. It was no easy task for Mayor Ross, but he pushed policy and got everyone on board. There are more renewable sources besides solar and wind, such as biopower, geothermal, and hydropower. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory believes the US will be powered by 80 percent Renewable sources by 2050. The majority will be solar and wind power, but they use every pathway possible to reach 80 percent. The benefits are far too noticeable to ignore. Renewable energy helps our climate, economy, and health. While also creating long term jobs around the country.

The future is now. The positive impact that sustainable energy has on the environment and economy are endless. So, Help us pave the way to a greener future.

You can find us on Twitter @TexasGreenRangers1 where you can plan on seeing weekly updates and helpful resources on how you can help our state become greener. Another source to look to if you have any questions is our Facebook group. It will be live in a few weeks so stay on the lookout for it, we hope it will be a place where you can connect with others in the Green Rangers community

Edited by AJ Valverde

Texas Green Rangers

February 5, 2019 mashwort

Texas Clean Energy

Clean energy is a conversation that is both important and crucial to the way in which humans take care of the Earth. In the state of Texas there is a heavy presence of the oil and fossil fuel industries, but there is also a growing presence of the wind and solar industries. The growth of these industries is easily brushed under the rug, but we want to bring clean energy to the forefront of conversations about Texas energy sources.

Taking into consideration the size of Texas, it is important to think about what kind of impact that Texans can make by switching to clean energy. There are already towns in Texas that are making the transition to energy sources that are better for the environment. Georgetown, Texas is the largest city in the US to be powered by renewable energy sources.

So, why does it matter?

Everything is bigger in Texas. That includes the environmental impact that Texas has on the world. Texas contributes to 3.16% of greenhouse gas emissions for the United States. For reference, check out this chart provided by World Resources Institute of how Texas compares to other states. When using renewable energy Texas can really lower its carbon footprint.

The future Texans depend on it. Creating energy sources that will not run out for future generations is important. As the fossil fuel industry dies, the renewable energy can flourish. Texas has the opportunity to be at the forefront of the renewable energy wave. Coal fired power plants are going to continue to shut down, and the wind and solar energy industries will continue to grow.

There are 7 types of renewable energy sources: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Hydroelectricity, Ocean, Hydrogen, Bioenergy. With this long list of energy sources it is possible to take the steps to move away from fossil fuel based energy.

“In 2017, wind generated about 15 percent of the electricity in Texas, up from less than 13 percent in 2016, according to the Energy Department.”-Houston Chronicle

The progress that Texas is making towards producing better energy sources is constantly evolving. There is so much land potential that can be used in Texas, and we at the Texas Green Rangers encourage you to get out there and learn more about what kind of energy sources are available to you.

To learn more today about the different types of renewable clean energy sources, go to this composite list provided by Sunpower in 2018.

Texas is a state that has already started to produce clean energy, so it is crucial for you to do what you can to help! Start by following our Texas Green Ranger accounts that will keep you updated and in the loop with the important information.