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
Report: U.S. Renewable Energy Production Rising Sharply
The proportion of energy produced by renewable sources in the United States has almost quadrupled in the last decade.
New Solar Capacity Outpaces New Fossil Fuels in the US
Solar energy still makes up just 5 percent of the nation’s energy mix, but could grow faster in coming years.
Federal Plan Identifies Millions of Acres for Solar Production
The proposal targets areas near transmission lines in 11 western and southwestern states.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
