Why should Austin Invest in Solar Power

Create New Jobs in an Emerging Billion-Dollar Market

Texas has already created thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in benefits with its rapidly growing wind industry. We haven't even begun to tap our potential for developing solar energy. Worldwide, the solar energy market is estimated to grow from $3.5 billion today to $27.5 billion by 2012. Central Texas has many natural assets already in place, which means we could capture a significant share of this new market. These assets include our technology and entrepreneurial leadership, our human intellectual capital and leading research centers. In addition, Austin is home to many renewable energy firms.

Promote Energy Independence:

Texans value their independence and solar power creates it. Generating your own power means you are not subject to blackouts or power interruptions. Solar power is free from wires and pipelines; its fuel is already abundant everywhere in Austin.

Price Stability:

Because wind and solar energy use natural fuel their prices remain stable throughout the life of the project. In the past several years, increased demand for natural gas has frequently led to massive price spikes – in some cases driving the cost of the fuel up several times its regular price and driving up utility bills. Renewable energy is already serving as a hedge against these utility bill shocks from high fossil fuel prices.

Reduce Dependence on Foreign Energy Supplies:

This year alone, the United States may import more than 100 billion dollars worth of fuel from overseas. In addition to sending money out of our country we wind up drawn into regional conflicts that preserve access to oil. It is time to invest in domestic supplies of energy – that are our own, that are not subject to interruption of supply, and that won't run out.

Reduce Air Pollution and Solve Global Warming:

Solar and other renewables generate electricity without generating pollution. That means fewer ozone days and lower health costs due to pollution induced illnesses. We can also reduce global warming gases by increasing our use of renewable energy.

Replace Holly Power Plant:

In 1995 the Austin City Council voted to close Holly Power plant by 2004. The plant is a major source of health, noise and quality of life concerns for neighbors, but the City has left the power plant open and is seeking to extend its operating life. Solar power and energy efficiency would help replace the power that Holly provides, speeding its shutdown.

How Austin Can Take the Solar Power Lead

The City Should Update its Commitment to Renewables (30% of energy from renewables by 2010)

In 1995 the Austin City Council made Austin an “Energy Smart City” and a member of the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) campaign. In 1999, Austin set a short-term goal that 5% of its energy be generated by renewable sources by 2005. With purchases of low–cost wind power, Austin is meeting that goal at costs lower than the city's other new generation sources. By increasing our purchases and development of wind and solar power, Austin can displace fossil-fuel generation and avoid harmful ozone emissions which threaten our air quality.

A Shining Commitment to Solar (minimum of 2% of all utility capacity from solar by 2010)

By committing that each year, a meaningful portion of the city's energy supplies will be met by solar, we can propel Austin into the lead in solar energy development. In just a few years Austin could have enough solar energy to power thousands of homes. Developing high–profile projects will demonstrate to Austinites and visitors our city's commitment to renewable energy.

Back it up with funds (a minimum of 2% of utility budget to solar energy- more is better!)

Our ongoing commitment to solar can be met by using just 2% of our utility's annual budget to buy solar power. At this level, Austin can quickly rise to become a national leader in solar energy and build an industry around this high–tech energy source. In 1983, Austin voters authorized a $39 million bond issue to build renewable energy. Most of the money – $28.5 million – was never spent. The city should honor this voter mandate and jump-start our solar future.

Bundle it with energy efficiency

The best combination puts solar energy and energy efficiency together, so that we bring down the overall need for power in the first place, helping to offset solar costs. Austin has been recognized for its award-winning efficiency programs but we can do more.

How You Can Plug Into the Campaign for a Solar Austin:

• Contact your city council members and tell them you support the Solar Austin Campaign.
• Volunteer with the campaign. We need your help to spread the word and demonstrate public support for this effort.
• Make a contribution to the campaign. The Solar Austin Campaign is a non-profit effort by leading environmental groups. Your tax-deductible contribution will help us make sure the Solar Austin Campaign is a success.

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