With the rise of renewable energy sources, which is the natural energy that comes from the sun, the wind, and other sources, solar energy in Texas is becoming increasingly popular. Texas is now the leader in the nation for solar energy production. With more than half a million homes now being powered by solar, it’s easy to see why residents are taking advantage of this clean and sustainable energy source. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the solar farms in Texas and also the initiatives and policies put in place to make solar installation easier in Texas.
Solar energy is derived from the sun’s rays, which also include heat and light. The solar energy market in Texas has become a growing sector over the past several years because of advances in technology, policies, and incentives. Statistics from Texas show that using solar energy in the state is growing rapidly. Using data from 2012 to 2015, the average annual increase in solar power use was 46%. It went from 775 megawatts to 2000 megawatts of total production during this time. This statistic alone shows an incredible amount of potential for future growth. Texas ranked #2 in the nation for overall solar power production in 2022, and it isn’t just reserved for large businesses that can afford to build their solar farms.
In addition to home installations, Texas has invested heavily in solar farms over the past few years. The electricity produced by these solar farms is distributed to residents through a local utility company or another source.
Below is the list of the top five largest solar farms in Texas by capacity
As more Texans discover the many benefits of solar energy, the state’s solar industry is booming. Not only do residents benefit from lower energy costs, but they can also rest easy knowing that they are producing a clean and renewable source of energy that isn’t harmful to the environment.
Several initiatives and policies help Texans benefit from solar energy in Texas.
The largest is the Renewable Energy Standard (RES), which requires utilities to get 15% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. This makes Texas one of the top ten states with this requirement and is important for the future growth of solar power.
In 2013, Texans voted to create the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS), which will require a certain amount of renewable energy in utility bills by 2020. This is another important policy that can help spark the growth of solar power in Texas.
Even if you don’t live in a state that has a RES or AEPS, it’s still worth considering building out your solar power system. There are plenty of ways to get started, and you don’t need to be wealthy to make the switch.
The average cost of solar panels in Texas is roughly $2.76 per watt. This is based on the total installed cost of your system, which includes the panels, wiring, and other components needed to create a solar energy system. The average solar panel cost in Texas is competitive with other locations and less than in many states that require renewable power, like California.
In most states, you can get a quote from solar installers or an online company that provides solar panel installation services.
Solar energy in Texas is poised for a bright future. The state government seems committed to pushing for more growth in the industry and has already started. These efforts will only help increase the number of Texans who realize the many benefits of solar energy. By installing solar panels, you can help contribute to this green movement and provide proof that solar power is an affordable option for many US residents.
