In Texas, where everything is famously bigger, the solar market has seen a colossal surge over the last ten years. As of Q3 2023, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that
Texas boasts an impressive 20,028 MW of solar installed, earning it the prestigious national ranking of 2nd, maintaining its 2022 standing. The Lone Star State now powers over 2.3 million homes through solar energy, contributing 5.51% to the state’s electricity grid.
Not only has the solar industry lit up the Texas skyline, but it has also generated a considerable economic spark. With 11,250 solar jobs distributed among 647 companies (including 105 manufacturers, 254 installers/developers, and 288 others), Texas has become a hub of solar activity. The total solar investment in the state has reached a staggering $24.4 billion, a testament to the confidence investors place in the Lone Star solar future.
The Texas solar success story is also marked by a 42% reduction in solar prices over the last decade, demonstrating the increasing efficiency and affordability of harnessing the Lone Star State’s abundant sunshine. As the demand for electricity continues to grow with the state’s thriving economy, solar energy is stepping up to fill the void left by retiring conventional energy sources.
SEIA’s growth projection for Texas is nothing short of extraordinary. Over the next five years, the state is expected to add a colossal 38,523 MW of solar capacity, claiming the top spot in the nation. With 264,493 installations in the pipeline, Texas is setting the stage for a solar revolution.
SEIA’s tireless efforts to shape solar-friendly policies in Texas have played a pivotal role in the industry’s success. The extension of critical property tax abatement programs, Chapter 312 and Chapter 313, in 2019 has provided a solid foundation. While Chapter 312 enjoys a decade-long extension, the focus now shifts to renewing Chapter 313 during the upcoming legislative session.
SEIA’s proactive stance on preventing utilities from imposing additional fees on solar customers, as seen in HB 2860, remains a legislative priority. This commitment to favorable policies ensures that the Lone Star State continues to shine bright in the solar arena.
Several landmark solar installations have contributed to Texas’s solar prowess. The Prospero project in Andrews, developed by Longroad Energy, went online in 2021, producing a whopping 710.2 MW—enough to power 86,620 homes. Corporate giants like Anheuser Busch, Davita, and Target have also embraced solar, with Anheuser Busch’s 290 MW RE Maplewood project in McCamey standing as one of the largest corporate solar endeavors in the state.
The Taygete Energy Project in Coyanosa, completed by Swinerton Renewables in 2021, is among the largest solar installations in Texas, boasting a capacity of 344.1 MW and providing energy to over 41,968 homes.
In the league city solar scene, where the sun graces the Texan sky, local solar installers are playing a pivotal role in propelling the state towards a future defined by clean energy. As Texas continues its remarkable journey in investing in solar panels, it not only embraces economic growth but also takes substantial strides towards what is energy independence.
