by Howard 'Scot' Arey, Chair TXSES Board of Directors
I thought my first Solar Reflector article would focus on why I returned to TXSES. I felt an urgency to speak out against under-the-radar attacks on solar on the customer side of the meter; how we need to stop policy roadblocks that are under construction in Texas. At our Annual Meeting, I heard our TXSES regional chapters share what has been keeping them busy. I was humbled and impressed with the myriad efforts and innovative projects underway across the state. Whether workforce development, by bringing the under-represented into our industry, or solarizing food trailers that bring fruits and vegetables to food deserts, these projects benefit not just one individual but communities writ large. I began to rethink what I want to accomplish as TXSES board chair this year.
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By Joshua Rhodes, Ph.D., Secretary, TXSES Board of Directors
With sunny days and afternoon temperatures pushing into the 80s, it's hard to believe that just over a month ago, Texas was in the grips of a historic freeze that broke both the natural gas and electricity systems and left millions of Texans shivering in the dark. At a high-level, the grid failed to match supply and demand. And just like in any market when there is not enough supply to meet demand, not everyone who wants the product – in this case, electricity – was able to get it.
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By Jason Pittman, Co-Founder/President GoSmart Solar
How often do you wander into your boss’s office to resign and he ends up offering you something you really want to do? In Jason Pitman’s case, it was leading the clean energy and sustainability business line for a global consulting firm. Jason’s 18 years of clean energy experience ranges from large utility-scale systems and distributed residential and commercial systems to the development and execution of utility integrated solar programs. In 2016, Jason co-founded Go Smart Solar as a way to develop innovative business models that would lower the cost of solar because, as he says. the benefits of solar energy should be available to everyone. Go Smart Solar is a TXSES Silver Business Member.
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By Patrice 'Pete' Parsons, Executive Director, TXSES
If it’s an odd-numbered year, the Texas legislature is in session. A confluence of clamor and mayhem with thousands of bills filed (more than 7,000 this session), each session has its own unique personality. We’re tracking a list of renewable energy bills, all of which will impact solar in Texas. We’ve included the companion versions and legislators so you can reach out and voice your opinion.
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Chapter Updates:
Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio
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Care about the future of a clean, equitable solar Texas? Want to make a difference? Solar Austin, one of our five regional chapters, is hiring an executive director. Be on the frontlines of the climate crisis and help bring good jobs and economic growth to build a thriving economy for all Texans. Apply today! |
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Mark your calendars now for April 10, 10 am-Noon CT and join Travis Young, Studio Momentum Architects as he shares his expertise on small houses, real costs, energy efficiency for NTREG's free monthly zoom sessions on relevant and timely clean energy issues. Catch the recent March seminar on-grid reliance on the NTREG site.
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Million Trees El Paso's goal, to plant and care for at least one million new native or drought-tolerant trees across the city in the next 10 years, will start with underserved communities throughout the El Paso region. "So far, we've planted 70 trees," said Shelby Ruff, President Eco El Paso, "and we have more than 100 applications in the queue!" Read more.
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Ready to jumpstart your career in the sustainability industry or find your next move? Join HREG online Saturday, April 17, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM CDT and get started!
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BSAG is an affordable, easy-to-use program for certifying green homes. BSAG-certified projects exceed code in energy and water, are more durable and promote a healthful indoor environment. To date, BSAG has certified more than 25 million square feet of green building practices. "We're excited that our program continues to grow quickly," said Kaylyn Randolph, BSAG Program Administrator. Keep up with BSAG on their social channels.
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Keep up with the latest news about TXSES' solar impact in Texas
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Looking for another way to support TXSES? Shop AmazonSmile using and Amazon will donate to TXSES at no cost to you! It's easy as 1-2-3:
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Go to smile.amazon.com and log in using your Amazon credentials.
- After signing in, you will be directed to a page to select a charitable organization
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Under the heading Or pick your own charitable organization, enter Texas Solar Energy Society, then click “Search”
See? Easy! And thank you!! 🙏
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Save the Date!! 2021 Cool House Tour
Sunday, June 13
Details soon...
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We thank our generous business members who support our mission to lay the foundation for a 100% clean energy future for Texas, one community at a time.
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These organizations generously support TXSES' work to raise awareness of the value and benefits of solar energy that will support ambitious clean energy, enhance grid resilience and reliability and build strong equitable solar communities.
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For nearly three decades, Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) has cultivated innovation in green building to raise standards for energy efficiency, water quality and conservation, indoor environmental quality, site development and material resources.
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Since 1992, EarthShare of Texas has supported more than 40 Texas conservation and environmental non-profits like TXSES. We couldn't do what we do without their support.
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Home more these days? Our friends at Reliant Energy share some valuable tips on ways to save energy while you’re home. Take a peek.
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About TXSES
For more than four decades, TXSES has been the pre-eminent statewide organization
developing free thought-leading, independent, fact-based information and quality educational materials that inspire innovation, share best practices, and inform decision-makers on the critical importance of sound, favorable solar policies that will grow the industry, protect clean air, build healthy, resilient communities, support local, well-paying jobs and lay the foundation for energy independence. www.txses.org
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