June 13, 2013 – Austin, Texas
Policy
Does Solar have a Bright Future in Texas?
As we dive into summer, the sun is shining strong over Texas. But where do things stand on solar power? The latest reports indicate that Texas has 90 MW of solar (in ERCOT) with an additional 400MW more expected to be sited in San Antonio. For context, he US Energy Information Administration released its (STEO) last month which projects that nationally there will be “continued robust growth in the generation of solar energy, both from central-station and distributed capacity, although the total amount remains a small share of the total US generation. Central-station capacity, which until recently experienced little growth compared with distributed capacity, is projected to more than double between 2012 and 2014. Photovoltaics (PV) accounted for all central-station solar growth in 2012 but EIA expects that several large solar thermal generation projects will enter service in 2013 and 2014. However, PV is still expected to account for the majority of central station and distributed capacity additions in 2013 and 2014.”
Unlike states like California and New Mexico, Texas doesn’t currently offer any targeted incentives for solar, making the state’s four-fold increase in solar generation all the more notable. Proponents of solar energy are fast to point out that Texas is perfectly situated as a future solar hub, with abundant sunshine and a need for more generation that can be deployed quickly without tapping into dwindling water resources.
What the future holds for solar is still unknown, but what is for sure is that SunEdison (see People section below) will play a major role. Today, over 75% of the solar installed in ERCOT today is developed and/or operated by SunEdison.
People
In the Spotlight: New PAT member SunEdison
One of PAT’s newest corporate members and a key sponsor of the Texas Energy Innovation Challenge is , the second largest solar developer in the world with over 1.2 GW of solar deployed and under management globally and 2.6 GW under development.. The 55-year old company, formerly known as MEMC Electronics, is headquartered in Belmont, California and has a manufacturing facility in Pasadena, Texas.
A diverse company and a socially active corporate citizen around the globe, SunEdison is a vertically integrated solar developer and global manufacturer of polysilicon and semiconductor. The company also provides solar solutions for residential and C&I distributed generation customers, as well as large-scale utility plants.
Programming
Shining Light on the Colonias
Solar energy is an important component of the Texas Energy Innovation Challenge’s ongoing work to bring affordable and reliable electricity to the colonias. All three student teams (Texas Tech, Texas A&M and University of Texas at Austin) that competed for the $10,000 scholarship this past spring included an off-grid solar energy solution in their proposal to light up the colonias. The winning team Carlos Olmedo, Charles R. Upshaw and Patricia M. Varravetofrom the University of Texas at Austin proposed a “Sun to Grid model” as a transition technology with the ultimate goal of connecting residents to the electrical grid.
Today, the work of the Texas Energy Innovation Challenge continues with four work groups: Finance, Market Analysis, Public Policy and Technology. These teams of university students, faculty, and industry leaders are working together to develop a business plan that outlines the financing/business model, investment strategy, legal vehicle, market analysis, technology option(s), and policy work-around(s) that would enable the implementation of a Social Impact Fund.
Power Across Texas is grateful to all of its sponsors for supporting the Texas Energy Innovation Challenge, including SunEdison which is working in more than 15 nations to bring renewable energy solutions to poor, rural communities.
 |