As the Texas economy continues to grow, electricity consumption has correspondingly increased. Environmental regulations and various market pressures have forced a significant amount of generation to exit the market in recent years while older generation sources continue to be retired. Thus, new solar generation capacity is required to meet the Texas market's demand. With appropriate state policy that removes market barriers and recognizes solar's benefits, the Texas solar market should see significant growth in the coming years.
Facts on the Texas Solar Industry
If you include all the usable land (not just rooftops) in Texas, you’ll have twice the solar potential of any other state. Share this- There are currently more than 266 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Texas, employing 3,200.
- 17 MW of solar were installed in Texas in the fourth quarter of 2012. Texas ranked 10th nationally in Q4 installations. See more solar state rankings.
- In 2012, Texas installed 64 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking it 10th nationally.
- Texas ranks 13th nationally in cumulative installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 13,000 homes.
- In 2012, $75 million was invested in Texas to install solar on homes and businesses. This represents a 29% increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year.
- Average installed residential and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Texas continue to fall--by 20% from last year. National prices have also dropped steadily--by 14% from last year and 31% since 2010.
View more solar data.
Notable Solar Installations in Texas
- Blue Wing Solar Facility in San Antonio is a 14 MW photovoltaic project that provided 115 construction jobs before coming online in 2012. This facility produced $2 million of spending within the local community in addition to tax benefits for local schools and Bexar County. Enough electricity is generated to power 1,800 homes in the San Antonio area.
- Webberville Solar Energy System generates enough electricity to power 5,000 homes and avoid 30,000 metric tons of C02 annually. This 30 MW photovoltaic system came online in 2011.
- Centennial Solar Farm in San Antonio is a 20 MW photovoltaic system that came online in 2012. Enough electricity is generated to power 2,500 homes annually.
See our solar installations maps.
SEIA Texas State Policy Priorities
- Educate lawmakers on sound solar policies and work on proposed legislation that will further develop a solar-friendly electricity market in Texas.
- Participate in discussions and proceedings at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to defend solar issues.
- Support policies that promote additional solar capacity to ensure future electric reliability and resource adequacy.
Solar Companies in Texas
There are currently more than 266 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Texas. These companies provide a wide variety of solar products and services ranging from solar system installations to the manufacturing of components used in photovoltaic panels. These companies can be broken down across the following categories: 66 manufacturers, 21 manufacturing facilities, 95 contractor/installers, 20 project developers, 19 distributors and 66 engaged in other solar activities including financing, engineering and legal support.
Don't see your company listed? Complete our National Solar Database Survey!
Texas State Solar Policy Resources
Public Utility Commission - Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Texas public utilities
State Legislature - Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Texas
State Energy Office - Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
DSIRE incentives database - Texas - Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Texas and across the United States
U.S. Energy Information Administration - Texas State Profile - Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government
