Over the past decade, Texas has led on wind but lagged on solar power. That may soon change. Texas solar companies are now offering "all-solar" plans to take advantage of an improved market.
The state of Texas has become known for its widespread adoption of wind power, which in November of 2015 generated 18 percent of electricity on the state's dominant ERCOT grid. "On solar, however, Texas has been lagging. It ranked No. 10 among the states in solar power as of September. Texas doesn't match the incentives of some states and has an abundant supply of other cheap energy, including natural gas."
Mitchell Schnurman writes, "Prices for solar panels have fallen over 80 percent since 2009, making it competitive with fossil fuels. That's ramped up the outlook in Texas, because there's plenty of sun, a growing population, a huge electric load and a hyper-competitive electricity market."
Industry analysts have a sunny attitude toward solar's future in the state. From the article: "Last year, solar installations on ERCOT grew almost 50 percent. This year, solar generation could jump sixfold, according to ERCOT projections, which are based on developer agreements to connect with the grid."
FULL STORY: Solar power starts ascent in Texas
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The proportion of energy produced by renewable sources in the United States has almost quadrupled in the last decade.
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Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service