Why Solar Works Well in Texas
By: Eric Huesca, SEO Content Writer
February 9, 2023
Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that comes from the sun. It’s generated using photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity. As for Texas, it’s a great state for solar power! Texas is one of the best states in the United States for solar power. With its abundant sun, supportive policies, and growing demand for renewable energy, it’s no wonder that Lone Star State is a hub for solar energy.
In recent years, there’s been a significant increase in the number of solar installations in Texas. As of 2021, It is ranked second for total installed solar capacity.
Beautiful home with solar.
Additionally, It has several incentives for residential and commercial customers to switch to solar, including tax credits and rebates. There’s also a thriving solar industry in the state, with many companies and organizations dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of solar energy.
In this article, we’ll explore why solar works so well in Texas, from its favorable climate to its supportive policies. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or just interested in renewable energy, it’s clear that a solar is an attractive option for Texas residents. So, let’s dive in and see why Texas is best for solar.
The Abundance of Sunlight and Solar Radiation:
Texas has a well-suited climate for solar energy production. Several factors make Texas an ideal place for solar panels, including
1. Sunlight Levels:
Texas has a lot of sunshine, essential for producing solar energy. It is seriously sunny! With an average of 5.6 to 6.5 hours of prime sun exposure per day, no wonder that Texas is a solar powerhouse! On average, it receives over 200 sunny days annually, providing plenty of opportunities for solar panels to generate electricity.
2. Highest Solar Radiation:
Texas also boasts some of the highest solar radiation levels in the country, making its sunlight super intense. Hence, it’s great news for solar owners because the more robust the sun, the more electricity their PV plant can produce.
3. Extended daylight hours:
Texas also has long daylight hours, with the sun shining for an average of 10-12 hours per day. It provides ample time for solar panels to generate electricity, which can be especially important during summer.
4. Low cloud cover:
Texas has relatively low cloud cover compared to other states, meaning solar panels are more likely to receive direct sunlight and produce more electricity.
5. Mild temperatures:
Texas has a warm climate, which is ideal for solar panels. Excessive heat can cause solar panels to degrade over time, but Texas’s mild temperatures help minimize this risk.
All that sunny goodness has propelled Texas to the top of the solar energy game. It’s now ranked second in the country for a total installed solar capacity, with enough solar panels to power hundreds of thousands of homes. And the best part? This solar boom has created jobs and investment opportunities, with a thriving solar industry in the state.
So, Texas is the place to be if you’re looking for a bright future in solar!
State Policies in Texas That Can Benefit You:
The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the last few decades. The price of solar has gone down by 53%, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). It has been achieved through technological advancements, government incentives, and increased market competition.
Texas States Policies:
The state of Texas has several policies that support installing solar power plants, including
- The federal government offering a solar investment tax credit (ITC) to encourage the solar industry’s growth. Currently, the credit covers 26% of the final purchase price of a home solar system. However, it is set to decrease by 22% starting in 2023 and will end for home solar after 2024.
- Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires a minimum amount of renewable energy to be generated or purchased by utilities in Texas.
- Net Metering allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credits on their electricity bill for the excess power they generate and feed back into the grid.
- Property Tax Exemption laws in texas provide a property tax exemption for the value added to a property by a renewable energy system, including solar panels.
- Texas Sales Tax Exemption provides a tax exemption for purchasing renewable energy systems, including solar panels.
- Texas has also established interconnection standards that make it easier and more cost-effective for homeowners and businesses to connect their solar panels to the grid.
These policies are all about promoting the growth of the solar industry in Texas and making it a more attractive option for generating energy. By offering support and resources, the state encourages people to switch to clean, renewable energy and do their part in creating a sustainable energy future.
So, if you’re considering switching to solar, the state of Texas is here to help! They want to ensure that the process is as smooth and easy as possible, and they’re ready to provide you with all the information and resources you need to get started.
Texas Local Rebates:
Even though Texas doesn’t have a statewide solar tax credit or rebate program, homeowners still have plenty of opportunities to get sweet incentives for going solar!
For example, if you’re lucky enough to call Austin home, you’re eligible for Austin Energy benefits. It includes a rebate of $2,500 and Austin Energy’s Value of Solar Tariff, which pays you $0.097 for every kilowatt-hour your solar panels produce. That’s like getting paid to be environmentally friendly!
And if you’re a CPS Energy customer, you can get an even better deal! Install those solar panels on your roof, and you’ll be eligible for a $2,500 rebate. Moreover, Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative and the City of Sunset Valley also offer refunds to homeowners in their areas. And who knows, your city, county, or power company may have additional solar incentives for you to take advantage of them. So, you must consult a professional. He will keep you updated about federal tax credits and rebates of your state to get a full benefit.
Reduces the Need for Fossil Fuels in Texas:
Using solar power helps reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have been the primary energy source for decades, but they have several drawbacks. Firstly, they are non-renewable, meaning they will eventually run out. Additionally, fossil fuel extraction, transportation, and usage result in significant greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Therefore, it causes excessive harm to the environment and human health.
Texas is an industrial hub with a vast population and many transportation activities. Therefore, it has a high rate of fossil fuel and electricity consumption. However, by using solar power instead, Texas residents and businesses can help to reduce the state’s carbon footprint by reducing fossil fuel dependency. Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source. So it will neither run out nor emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Hence, It creates a cleaner and healthier environment that benefits all.
Another benefit of using solar power is that it can help to lower electricity prices. As more and more solar energy is generated, it will decrease the demand for fossil fuels. As a result, electricity prices will automatically fall, making it more affordable for everyone. It is essential for families and businesses struggling with rising energy costs.
Besides, texas can save a lot of money and resources used in fossil fuel conversion into electricity. In short, solar power in Texas can positively impact the environment, public health, and the economy. Therefore, it’s the most sustainable choice for Texas residents and businesses.
Residents in Texas Get to Save Money:
Have you ever felt the pain of opening your electricity bill and feeling like you just got hit by a ton of bricks? Yeah, we can understand your pain. However, what if we told you there’s a way to escape that monthly headache and save some serious cash in the process? The ultimate solution is to use Solar power!
Many people think solar is a great option but isn’t it more expensive than just sticking with the grid?” Well, here’s the thing: while the upfront cost of installing solar panels may seem steep, the long-term savings can be phenomenal.
Think of it like this: when you get electricity from the grid, you’re handing over a chunk of change every month with no end. But with solar panels, you’re making a one-time investment that pays off in the form of lower electricity bills. And as the cost of electricity continues to rise, the savings keep getting bigger.
Going solar can help you save money on your electricity bills in Texas. But how much you’ll save depends on a few things, like how big your solar system is, how much energy you use, and what electricity you use where you live.
For instance, a regular household in Texas with a solar system that generates 5 kilowatts of power could save anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more on their electricity bills each year. That’s a big chunk of change! And over time, those savings will only grow as electricity costs continue to rise.
Besides, state financial incentives and net metering policies can help reduce the cost of installing solar panels, making it even more cost-effective. And it can also increase your home equity in the longer run. Hence, when you weigh the long-term savings against the upfront investment, it’s clear that solar power is the cheaper option. So, going solar is worth considering if you’re looking for a smart way to save money.
Solar Demand has made Getting Solar Easier:
Solar energy has come a long way in a decade. In 2010, the global market was small and highly dependent on subsidy regimes in countries such as Germany and Italy. This year there will be more than 115 gigawatts (GW) of solar installed worldwide, which is more than all other generation technologies. It is also increasingly low cost, especially in sunnier regions where it has already become the lowest-cost form of new electricity generation.
It indicates that solar will eventually attain a balanced energy cost that, compared to fossil fuels, will make it unbeatable in many regions of the world. Solar electricity may power objects as tiny as a watch or as large as a metropolis, making it flexible and quick to install. It should lead to an increase in solar installations over the next ten years. The environment may benefit significantly from solar as well.
As technology advances, solar energy will become even more affordable in the upcoming years. Solar will be the most critical energy source for producing electricity worldwide by 2030. besides, it will benefit the ecology and combat climate change.
Solar costs should be cut in half by 2030 according to the solar industry’s defined cost-reduction roadmaps for the future. Higher-efficiency modules are already being developed; they can produce 1.5 times as much power utilizing tandem silicon cells as today’s comparable-sized modules. These will have a significant effect moving forward.
Additionally, production advances are in the works that will lower the quantities of pricey components used in the creation of solar cells, such as silicon and silver, as well as breakthroughs like bifacial modules. It will enable panels to gather solar energy from both sides. The other significant breakthrough is the best way to incorporate solar energy into our homes, places of work, and power systems. Better power electronics and more extensive usage of inexpensive digital technology are the results of this.
In conclusion, the growing demand for solar power in Texas has created a thriving solar industry that makes it easier for residents and businesses to access and install solar panels. With more solar companies setting up shops, installation is more affordable and accessible. Additionally, state policies and financial incentives encourage the adoption of solar power, making it a more viable investment option.
As a result, more and more people in Texas are investing in solar power, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint, save on electricity costs, and secure a clean and reliable energy source.
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Solgen Power is a solar energy contractor that sells and installs solar for homeowners. Solgen Power has been recognized by INC. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. Solgen Power has grown nationwide and continues to provide excellent customer service to homeowners.
