06 Mar 2023
CIG Solar News
March 6, 2023 Charles Carey
Solar Team CIG Capital

Texas Solar is about to be king of solar, the state with the most Solar.

Texas has great need of utility solar, and as the state transitions to a renewable energy mix, the growing need for utility-scale solar has sky rocketed. ERCOT shows over 120+ GW of Interconnection Applications as of February, 2023, which shows the demand is high for Texas. Here are some of the needs that solar utilities in Texas should require:

Land: Utility-scale solar installations require large amounts of land to build solar farms or power plants. Solar utilities may need to acquire or lease land in Texas for their installations. Utility-scale solar installations require large amounts of land to build solar farms or power plants. The amount of land required can vary depending on factors such as the efficiency of the solar panels, the climate, and the local topography. Here are some of the land needs for utility-scale solar:

    1. Land availability: Utility-scale solar installations require large amounts of land that is relatively flat and has good solar exposure. The availability of suitable land can be a significant constraint on the development of utility-scale solar projects.
    2. Land use and zoning: The use of land for solar installations is subject to local zoning laws and regulations. Developers must obtain the necessary permits and approvals to use land for solar energy systems.
    3. Land acquisition and leasing: Developers may need to acquire or lease land for utility-scale solar projects. This can involve negotiating with landowners and addressing any environmental or other concerns related to the use of the land for solar energy systems.
    4. Land preparation: Land for utility-scale solar installations must be prepared to support the installation of solar panels and other components. This may involve grading, leveling, and preparing the land to support the weight of the solar panels.
    5. Environmental considerations: The use of land for solar installations can have environmental impacts, such as the displacement of wildlife and changes to local ecosystems. Developers must take these considerations into account and address any environmental concerns associated with the use of the land for solar energy systems.

Overall, the land needs for utility-scale solar installations are significant and require careful planning and consideration of a range of factors, from land availability to environmental concerns.

Infrastructure: To connect solar installations to the grid, solar utilities need transmission lines, substations, and other infrastructure. Additional infrastructure may be required to store and distribute the energy generated by the solar installations. Solar infrastructure refers to the physical components that make up a solar energy system. These components include solar panels, inverters, wiring, mounting systems, and energy storage systems. Here are some of the key infrastructure components of solar energy systems:

    1. Solar panels: The most visible component of a solar energy system is the solar panels themselves. These panels convert sunlight into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells.
    2. Inverters: Inverters convert the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used by homes or businesses.
    3. Mounting systems: Solar panels are mounted on rooftops, on the ground, or on other structures such as carports or awnings. Mounting systems are used to securely hold the panels in place and optimize their exposure to sunlight.
    4. Wiring and electrical components: Solar energy systems require wiring and electrical components to connect the solar panels to the inverters and other system components. Electrical components may include disconnect switches, fuses, and circuit breakers.
    5. Energy storage systems: Energy storage systems allow excess solar energy to be stored for later use, reducing the need for electricity from the grid during periods of low solar output. These systems may include batteries, flywheels, or other storage technologies.

Overall, solar infrastructure is essential to the operation of solar energy systems. Each component must be carefully designed and installed to ensure that the solar energy system functions safely and efficiently. As solar energy systems continue to grow in popularity, the development of new and innovative solar infrastructure will be crucial to their continued success.

Skilled workforce: Solar utilities need skilled workers to design, construct, and maintain solar installations. There is a need for a trained workforce in Texas that can support the development and growth of the solar industry. As the solar industry continues to grow, there is a need for a skilled workforce to design, install, operate, and maintain solar energy systems. Here are some of the skills and knowledge areas required for a skilled solar workforce:

    1. Technical knowledge: A skilled solar workforce requires a deep understanding of the technical aspects of solar energy systems, including solar panel technology, electrical and mechanical components, and the design and installation of solar arrays.
    2. Electrical expertise: Solar energy systems require electrical knowledge and expertise, including understanding of electrical circuits, inverters, batteries, and other components.
    3. Safety training: Safety is a critical consideration in the installation and operation of solar energy systems, and a skilled workforce must be trained in safety protocols and best practices to minimize risks.
    4. Project management: The design and installation of solar energy systems often involve complex projects with many stakeholders, and a skilled solar workforce must be able to manage these projects effectively and efficiently.
    5. Business skills: A skilled solar workforce may require business skills such as sales, marketing, and finance to help drive the growth and development of the solar industry.

Overall, a skilled solar workforce requires a broad range of skills and knowledge areas, from technical expertise to project management and business skills. As the solar industry continues to grow and evolve, there will be increasing demand for a skilled workforce to support its development and growth.

The cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are the most common type of solar panel used for electricity generation, has decreased by more than 80% since 2010, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This has been driven by a variety of factors, including advances in technology, economies of scale, and increased competition in the solar industry. The cost of solar modules can vary depending on a range of factors, including:

  1. Technology: Advances in solar panel technology have led to more efficient and cost-effective panels. Higher efficiency panels may have a higher upfront cost, but they can generate more electricity and reduce the overall cost of the system over time.
  2. Manufacturing: The cost of solar modules is influenced by the manufacturing process and the level of automation used in production. As more manufacturers enter the market and production volumes increase, economies of scale can help drive down costs.
  3. Supply and demand: The supply and demand for solar modules can impact the price. During periods of high demand, prices may increase, while oversupply can lead to lower prices.
  4. Government policies and incentives: Government policies and incentives, such as tax credits or subsidies, can help reduce the cost of solar modules by providing financial support for solar projects.
  5. Geographic location: The cost of solar modules can vary depending on the geographic location of the project. Factors such as local labor costs, transportation expenses, and taxes can all impact the overall cost of the system.

Overall, the cost of solar modules has decreased significantly in recent years and is expected to continue to decline as technology improves and production volumes increase. This trend is making solar energy more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers and businesses.

Storage solutions: To address the intermittent nature of solar power, solar utilities in Texas may need storage solutions such as batteries to store excess energy during peak generation periods for use during times of low solar production or high demand.
Energy storage is becoming increasingly important as more renewable energy sources like wind and solar are added to the grid. Here are some of the needs for energy storage:

    1. Integration of intermittent energy sources: Solar and wind energy are both intermittent sources, meaning their output varies depending on weather conditions. Energy storage can help smooth out these fluctuations by storing excess energy generated during periods of high output and releasing it when energy demand is high.
    2. Backup power: Energy storage can provide backup power in case of grid outages or other disruptions, allowing critical facilities and infrastructure to continue operating.
    3. Time shifting: Energy storage can shift energy usage to different times of day or night, allowing electricity to be used when it is needed most and reducing strain on the grid during peak demand periods.
    4. Ancillary services: Energy storage can provide ancillary services to the grid, such as frequency regulation, voltage support, and grid stability, helping to maintain grid reliability and stability.
    5. Increased renewable energy penetration: Energy storage can help increase the penetration of renewable energy sources on the grid by providing a means to store and release energy when it is needed, reducing the need for fossil fuel backup power.

Overall, energy storage is becoming increasingly important as the world transitions to a cleaner energy mix and seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, the need for energy storage will only continue to grow.