TEXAS SUN BOOM?

Solar energy could be Texas’ next boom
Carrie Cullen Hitt, February 16, 2009 (Houston Chronicle)

"Optimism about Texas’ solar energy potential is aglow in the Capitol…The solar industry has come of age in regions across the United States, Europe and Asia, delivering high-value jobs and high return on investment. New manufacturing facilities are cropping up around the world, while new markets are developing rapidly in response to customer demand. In Texas, this realization is hitting home — solar can create thousands of jobs and spur the Texas economy.

"The knock on solar has been predictable…it’s too expensive. Today, the price of solar is falling as reliably as the cost of fossil fuels is increasing. The up-front cost of solar may be more than fossil fuel-based energy. But the fuel — the most volatile part of today’s energy costs — is free. Solar is fast becoming a legitimate cost competitor to coal and natural-gas-fired electricity, and it is only going to get cheaper.

"Even more powerful…[is] the impact solar power would have on employing Texans. Every gigawatt of solar in Texas will spur a supply chain 25,000 jobs long…that could mean nearly 125,000 new jobs by 2020. And…More than 75 percent of the solar supply chain is local — installation and maintenance jobs…No other industry or technology offers this kind of job creation potential in every county, city, district and neighborhood."

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"The Texas solar market could be huge. Our nearly 30 million citizens use more power per capita than any other state. And that’s just the Texas market. Becoming a leader today in the solar industry could establish Texas as a solar exporter tomorrow…[to] most of the U.S. Texas’ excellent international shipping capabilities would open Mexican and Central American markets, as well.

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"In other words, the market is here for the taking, and Texas can get ahead of other states…But…As with other emerging technologies, many regions in other states want to get into the solar race and win recognition as the “Silicon Valley of Solar.” Other states recognized the potential earlier than Texas…"

"Not surprisingly, California is leading the way…Each dollar that California has provided in solar incentives has spurred $6 in private investment…When the private sector believes that a state will support its effort, the money flows…

"The choice before state lawmakers this session is whether they will seize the national momentum and spur the market here first — before it lands elsewhere — and bring with it the jobs that will power the rest of the country…It will spur Texas’ next generation of job growth and prosperity…"