Will Solar Power Boom in Texas This Summer?
Texas could see a major jump in solar power production this summer as new projects come online. ERCOT expects strong demand during another hot season, which means Texas will need every available source of power. As a result, solar power could help keep prices low among light companies during high demand.
New forecasts show solar power output in Texas could pass coal this year. However, solar still trails wind and natural gas by a wide margin. Even so, growth continues quickly as developers build large solar farms across Texas. So, what’s behind this jump in building solar plants?
Why Solar Power Is Passing Coal
The biggest reason for building more solar power comes down to cost. In many cases, companies can now build and run solar projects for less money than it takes to keep older coal plants running. Coal plants also face rising fuel costs, higher repair costs, and costly air quality upgrades as they age.
So, Texas keeps adding new solar farms at a rapid pace. Developers build these projects because solar panels cost far less than they did just a few years ago. In addition, crews can build solar farms faster than large fossil fuel plants. This helps Texas add more power sooner.
Timing plays into this, as well. Solar power makes the most energy during hot sunny afternoons. That also happens to be when Texas power demand peaks. This gives solar an important role during summer heat waves when cooling systems put extra strain on the grid. That means solar could save your home from blackouts!
Batteries Are Changing The Solar Story
Battery storage also helps solar power grow faster across Texas. Large battery energy storage systems, often called BESS, store extra power made during the day. They then send it back to the grid later in the evening after sunset when demand rises. Because of this, solar projects can support the grid long after the sun goes down.
This solar-plus-storage setup is becoming more common across Texas. Builders now pair batteries with many new solar farms to improve grid support and increase the value of each project. As more battery projects come online, solar power could take on a larger role during evening demand spikes.
Texas Still Debates Solar
Even with rapid growth, solar power still faces political debates. Some state lawmakers argue that natural gas plants provide more dependable power during extreme weather and high demand. As a result, many state leaders still support new gas-fired plants alongside green growth. Gas-fired plants are better in emergencies; green projects are better for the power mix.
Still, solar power keeps growing because the economics keep improving. And without fuel costs, they help keep electricity prices low. But, power demand across Texas keeps rising, so more projects are coming online and more batteries are being added. That means solar will likely remain a major part of the state’s future power mix.
For consumers, growing solar power could help keep grid prices stable. And stable pricing give consumers more choices when they shop Texas light companies. And it’s already working! Just compare plans and rates at http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.