A state with many natural advantages for solar power is having a hard time making the business pencil out.
Jordan Blum reports on the arrested development of the solar industry in Texas. Case in point: Lincoln Clean Energy, which "swooped into Texas last year with plans to build the state’s largest solar farm, a $320 million project covering 2,400 acres in the Texas Panhandle and capable of powering 40,000 homes…"
Lincoln was meant to begin construction six months ago on the project, called Nazareth Solar, but the company is having trouble finding anyone to buy the energy it would produce.
Nazareth Solar is one of at least five projects, according to Blum, that that have been delayed or cancelled. "Rock-bottom natural gas prices, which have lowered the cost of traditional power generation, and a lack of state incentives make it nearly impossible for solar to compete dollar for dollar in the Texas marketplace," according to the article. Solar also has trouble competing with wind in the Texas energy market.
FULL STORY: Why solar power is still waiting for ‘liftoff’ in Texas
Report: Most U.S. Coal Plants Uncompetitive with Renewables
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Renewables Account for 92 Percent of New Power in the United States
Although the United States built less new energy capacity than in the same time period last year, renewable energy dominated the capacity to come online so far in 2014.
Not-So-Bright Future for Utility-Scale Solar Projects
Construction and permitting for large solar facilities like those located in the desert at the border of California and Nevada is nearly non-existent. Uncertainty over expiring tax credits is only partly to blame.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
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The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
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Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
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As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
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With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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