Beyond Energy
Solar energy in Texas
In 2011, the US used over five times as much solar energy as it did coal. In that same year, Spain got almost all of its electricity from solar panels. In many ways, solar power is the new normal. It's accessible to everyone, and it provides clean, sustainable energy without damaging the environment. In fact, states like Texas have a lot to offer when it comes to using solar power.
Solar energy is abundant in Texas thanks to its many sunny days and large land area. The state's area allows for plenty of space to spread solar panels and collect energy. Plus, there are plenty of privately owned green spaces that can be used for this purpose. Consequently, Texans can save money by using solar power at home or at school. Unfortunately, few businesses have made use of the state's natural resources for sustainable energy generation.
Government agencies use solar power to help cut down on gas and maintenance costs. They use the power that free sunshine provides- then they distribute the collected energy to government buildings and offices. Many government buildings - including those in Austin and San Antonio - now run entirely off solar power with zero emissions. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and greasy vehicle repairs by literally powering government affairs with clean solar energy.
Although most Texans don't know it yet, their state's natural resources make it easy to go green. Currently, very few homes or businesses use solar power for heating or lighting purposes. However, that's starting to change as more people adopt green energy solutions. From saving money to reducing pollution, Texans have a lot to gain from using clean solar power.