Perfect timing for solar energy

Amid all the social upheaval, I feel more secure knowing I'm producing my own power.

The timing was perfect.

After advocating for solar energy for twenty years, I finally pulled the trigger and put solar panels on our home this spring. Solar prices have declined 60% in the last decade and financing our system meant my family didn’t have to pay any money out of pocket. The pandemic meant the timing was even better than I had anticipated. 

Amid all the social upheaval, I feel more secure knowing I’m producing my own power. With utility workers declared “essential,” there thankfully hasn’t been any major disruption in service. But, even when utilities are fully staffed, a couple of downed power lines can leave thousands of people without power and cause large human and economic consequences. Homes and buildings with enough solar energy and energy storage capacity installed may be able to keep their own lights on during and immediately after outages. And while having a resilient power source in a blackout can be beneficial for personal and economic reasons, if hospitals, police stations or fire stations have extended blackouts, it can put lives at risk.

With my new rooftop panels, I’m also saving money on my energy bill at a time when we’re using a lot more electricity working and schooling from home (and with our A/C about to be working real hard). According to Energy Sage, the average Texan who goes solar would save a net of $13,000 over 20 years. And by installing solar panels, consumers protect themselves from the unpredictable swings and spikes in utility electricity costs. Solar panels also help reduce demand on the grid, which can lower electricity rates for all customers. 

As an environmentalist, I’m happy to do my part to reduce air pollution as COVID-19, a respiratory disease, rages. Research shows people living in areas with polluted air having a higher chance of dying from the disease. Austin, with 108 days of elevated particle pollution in 2018, is unfortunately one of those areas. But replacing coal- and gas-fired power plants with solar energy reduces the particle emissions that harm our health, while cutting the pollution fueling global warming (which itself is helping spread dangerous infectious diseases). 

I’m far from the only one going solar. According to Austin Energy, solar capacity within Austin grew 22% last year. Solar panels on top of the new parking lot at the airport will provide clean energy to renters and others who can’t install solar on their own roofs, through a process known as “community solar.” In January, the Austin Independent School District (AISD)  board approved a new facilities master plan and directed the district to consider adding solar panels as they “modernize all school buildings over the next 25 years.” 

The sky’s the limit in our solar future. For example, if builders put solar panels on the 3.2 million new homes and apartment buildings expected to be built in Texas by 2045, Texas would increase solar capacity ten-fold increase while cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

Of course, like other industries, Texas’ clean energy sector is, and will continue to be, hard hit by the economic impacts of COVID-19. For example, more than 1,500 people work in solar in Travis County, but according to a recent national survey, 55% of solar workers have been laid off or suffered cuts to hours. 

To maintain momentum in switching to clean energy, we’ll need the help of the government. Austin Energy and AISD should keep moving toward their goals for solar power, battery storage and energy efficiency. Congress, as part of a future stimulus package, should extend tax incentives to make sure more people like me can go solar or buy energy efficient appliances, batteries or electric vehicles. By offering incentives that promote clean energy, we can invest in cleaner technology that bolsters an industry in need of aid and one that is crucial to a better future. 

The timing is perfect.

Authors

Luke Metzger

Executive Director, Environment Texas

As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air and water, parks and wildlife, and a livable climate. Luke recently led the successful campaign to get the Texas Legislature and voters to invest $1 billion to buy land for new state parks. He also helped win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; helped compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at four Texas refineries and chemical plants; and got the Austin and Houston school districts to install filters on water fountains to protect children from lead in drinking water. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside, received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks. He is a board member of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and an advisory board member of the Texas Tech University Masters of Public Administration program. Luke, his wife, son and daughters are working to visit every state park in Texas.