TEXAS MESSES WITH SOLAR

Austin Energy is one of the most respected public utilities in the US.

Austin power company to boost solar capabilities
Jared Mason, January 30, 2007 (The Daily Texan)

- Although Austin Energy is falling behind its goal to expand the supply of solar energy in Austin, the city-owned utility company is pursuing new plans that would create a massive facility in West Texas and significantly increase the city's alternative energy capacity.
- Austin Energy announced in 2003…the goal of creating the capacity for a 100-megawatt threshold in 2020 and the intermediate goal of 15 megawatts in 2007.
- Currently, Austin is only generating about one megawatt of solar energy, which produces electricity for 300 to 700 homes depending on the amount of sunlight…
- Austin Energy has had a difficult time in reaching the goal for 2007 due to the high costs of pure silicon…The material is in high demand since it is also a necessary component in various consumer electronics, such as computers and cellular phone chips…

- Two important initiatives related to solar energy are set to appear before the Austin City Council…The first would be a 50-year lease for the city of Austin to obtain 453 acres from the Texas General Land Office in West Texas, which could eventually hold a large facility of concentrated solar paneling capable of producing 50 megawatts of power. The lease would cost $1 million…The second plan would provide solar energy for the Austin Convention Center and a city warehouse located in East Austin, helping to accomplish the initial goal of powering all city buildings with renewable energy sources. The combined cost of this measure would be $315,000 a year for up to 20 years.
- Another way that the city is trying to alleviate its energy dependency on oil and gas is by offering rebates for individuals that outfit their homes with solar paneling…the rebate program offers one of the highest incentives out of any similar system around the world, at $4.50 back per watt. The rebates cover about 70 percent of the costs for the individual…solar energy in Austin has a bright future.