Solar energy option in Texas

Texas is currently the leading U.S. state in installed wind power capacity but wind energy is definitely not the only possible renewable energy option for this state, and Texas should also consider harnessing solar energy. According to the Go Solar Texas Coalition, the state of Texas has the most solar radiation in the country, and given the size of Texas it also has more than enough room to build large-scale solar power plants. Some believe that with the proper initiative Texas could even overtake California, and become national leader in developing solar energy technologies.

West Texas would be an ideal place to harness solar energy as West Texas has 75 percent more direct solar radiation than East Texas, and would therefore make a perfect location to build large-scale solar power plants. The solar energy potential in West Texas is so big that the energy from sunshine falling on a single acre of land in West Texas is capable to produce the energy compared to 800 barrels of oil each year.

Texas has already established itself as one of nation’s clean energy leaders through the tremendous development of wind energy sector but solar energy could also be utilized as another clean, renewable energy sector in form of large-scale solar power plants.

But in order for Texas to start further exploring solar energy option some things will have to change. The first step for the development of solar energy sector in Texas should be government subsidies and tax reductions that would make solar energy economically viable option. And it would be also good that electric companies offer homeowners incentives and rebates for installing solar panels.

Today, when there is a global clean energy race going on, having rich renewable resources at your disposal is huge start advantage, and Texas should really do the same thing with the solar energy as the state did with the wind energy.

By using solar energy on larger scale Texas would not only significantly diversify its energy portfolio but this would also mean great environmental benefits. Using more renewable energy means using less fossil fuels, and less fossil fuels means less pollution, and less releasing of harmful carbon emissions. With such an abundance of solar and wind energy Texas should really become nation’s leading renewable energy state.