Renewable energy comes from natural sources that replenish faster than they're used. Sunlight and wind, for instance, are always available. And Texans are aware of that. Texas, formerly known for its usage of traditional energy sources, such as oil and natural gas, transformed into one of the top producers of renewable energy. Wind and solar power are leading the way, helping Texas stay clean and contribute to the environment. If you want to know all about renewable energy and how it works in Texas, keep reading our blog.
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Renewable Energy Explained
Before we dive deeper into the renewable energy topic, we should answer one simple question: What is renewable energy simplified? Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources that replenish themselves quickly, such as the sun and wind. These sources play a big role in preventing climate change. Renewable energy usually has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional energy methods like burning fossil fuels. Each renewable energy provider in Texas is aware of this fact, switching to renewables.
The thing with renewable energy is that it is always an available source of energy and virtually inexhaustible, which makes it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gas are non-renewable energy resources; they take millions of years to form. Contrary to renewable energy sources, fossil fuels release harmful greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide. Rhythm Energy renewable energy is based on solar and wind energy, mitigating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Forms of renewable energy
You’ve probably already known about some forms of renewable energy and how beneficial they can be. Solar power and wind power are among the most widely used renewable energy sources today, but there is more. Hydropower, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and biomass are also renewable energy resources.
Just like any energy source, each renewable energy technology comes with its own pros and cons. For example, wind energy is one of the most desirable renewable energy sources as it produces zero carbon footprint. It’s also a very suitable solution in Texas considering its climate. The downside of this renewable energy option is that the wind power is unpredictable. If there’s not enough wind, electricity shortages are more likely to happen, especially in the areas with mild winds. Although they produce zero-emission, wind turbines can make an impact on the environment in other ways. For example, wind turbines are dangerous for bird populations.
Texas' Renewable Energy Landscape
Texas is the top producer of energy in the United States, supplying almost one-fourth of the nation's domestically produced energy. Everything started in the late 1990s when Governor George Bush showed interest in wind power. The state made policy changes that helped break up old electric company monopolies, paving the way for Texas to become a leader in renewable energy.
According to the Energy Information Association, Texas generated approximately 15% of the US electrical power from all renewable sources in 2023. It’s not a surprise that renewable energy is booming in the Lone Star State. Texas has a lot of sun and wind, plus plenty of open land, which helps it produce a lot of renewable energy. Add to this the state’s rich offer when it comes to incentives and options to store energy, so no wonder why more and more people are likely to switch to renewables.
Solar power in Texas - What do you need to know
The abundance of sunny days in Texas makes the state an ideal location for solar power. Texas’ sunny climate offers many opportunities for harnessing solar energy to generate electricity. Even during cloudy days, sun energy can be harnessed, which is the reason why solar power has become increasingly popular and widespread across Texas. There are various solar energy plans offered by energy companies, such as Rhythm Energy.
The question that often arises is: “How do I get into renewable energy?” The costs of solar panels are the main concern for an average Texas household. The good thing is that the states offer many incentives, rebates, and financing options to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. For instance, there’s the government's Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly Investment Tax Credit) offering a 30% deduction of solar panel systems from your federal taxes. There are also many other programs, such as Oncor Residential Solar Program, CPS energy programs, and net metering to sell extra solar energy.
Wind power in Texas
Regarding wind energy in Texas, it’s safe to say that this is the leading force in renewable energy production. With vast wind farms spanning its landscape, Texas leads the United States in energy production through the harnessing of wind power, providing more power than coal in 2022. Wind is a clean and sustainable energy option, so the only thing you should think about is to choose the Texas wind energy plan that fits your needs.
What is the best way to learn about renewable energy?
There are many ways to inform and benefit from renewable energy. You can start by doing some research in your local community. Ask for brochures and workshops, or even projects where you can volunteer and find out more about renewables.
For those who are skillful and interested in DIY approaches, contributing to renewable energy projects is the best way to learn about renewables. There are projects for beginners too, so even those less experienced can create their own solar panel systems. However, this might be an expensive option to learn about renewable energy.
Bottom line
Renewable energy offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, environmental protection, and reduced carbon emissions. While it may not be suitable for every household, we believe that renewable energy in some form can be adapted to meet the needs and budgets of most families in Texas. To start with renewables, you need to understand all options and find the best fit for your needs. Our guide is created to assist you in making informed decisions about incorporating renewable energy into your lifestyle. Whether it's solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable trends, there's a solution that can work for you.
