Texas is experiencing a remarkable boom in solar power, fueled by its abundant sunshine, vast expanses of land, and a growing demand for renewable energy.
During the past quarter, Texas took the lead in clean power installations, adding an impressive 2,596 MW of new utility-scale solar, wind, and storage capacity. This milestone marks the first time Texas has surpassed California to become the top solar state in the nation, according to the American Clean Power Association’s quarterly market report. By the end of 2024, Texas is expected to add an additional 7.2 GW of capacity, contributing to an estimated total of 100 GW of new solar capacity over the next decade.
One GW of solar power might need around 5,000 to 7,000 acres. To reach 100 GW, that would mean 500,000 to 700,000 acres would be needed. While that is a sizable amount, it represents less than 0.5 percent of Texas’ total land area, meaning there’s theoretically enough land to meet this goal, especially in the vast rural regions of West Texas and the Panhandle, where land is more available and the sun is abundant.
Growing Renewable Energy Systems
According to the latest USDA census data, the number of renewable producing systems in Texas increased from 133,176 in 2017 to 153,101 in 2022, a 15 percent increase. Solar panels rose from 90,142 to 116,758 during that time, representing a 30 percent increase, which was more than other renewable producing systems (wind turbines, methane digesters, geothermal/geoexchange systems, and small hydro systems).
Federal Support for Clean Energy Initiatives
More big news dropped on June 24, 2024, when the Biden-Harris administration committed $36 million to drive clean energy forward and fuel job creation in rural Texas communities. Daniel Torres, acting state director of USDA Rural Development in Texas, shared that the funding would support 12 exciting clean energy projects across multiple counties. This initiative aims to lower energy costs and create jobs for local farmers, small businesses, and families in rural areas like Comanche, Navarro, Cooke, Palo Pinto, and more. From renewable energy growth to supporting rural areas, these projects are making waves across the state.
Farmers’ Perspectives on Solar Energy
Are farmers happy about the change on their land? The responses are mixed.
Texas experienced a decline of nearly 18,000 farms and ranches and lost over 1.5 million acres of agricultural land between 2017 and 2022, according to the USDA.
A combination of consolidation and division is leading many Texans to move away from farming and ranching. As land is inherited through generations, vast areas of productive land are often subdivided into smaller parcels that may not be economically viable to farm. Consequently, these smaller plots are frequently acquired by larger agricultural operations, which further diminishes the number of Texans involved in agriculture
In such a case, clean energy turns out to be a good alternative with extra income stream. Examples include pairing solar energy with sheep ranching. Sheep can be effective in grazing and managing land under solar panels and save moving costs, according to Climate Portal.
The presence of solar farms has driven up land values in regions such as West Texas and the Panhandle. A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that renewable energy development (both wind and solar) has resulted in substantial economic gains for landowners in rural Texas. Specifically, land values in areas with solar development have appreciated due to the stable and predictable lease income provided by solar projects.
Ongoing Land-Use Conflicts and Other Concerns
However, land-use conflicts persist. Some legislators, like State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, have raised alarms about the long-term implications of removing land from production, especially when contracts can lock up land for decades.
In addition, opponents raise concerns about the impact on their communities and landscapes. Some landowners worry about the long-term consequences, questioning what will happen to the land once solar leases expire or if the company abandons the project, leaving behind a landscape that could be difficult or costly to restore.
As Texas strides ahead in solar energy development, the relationship between farming and renewable energy is set to play a key role in the state’s future. There are plenty of opportunities for economic growth, but it’s crucial to tackle the challenges intelligently and find that balance.
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