Special Edition: The Trump Tariffs, How This Affects Solar

Brought to you by the Texas Solar Energy Society 


Promoting clean,safe, locally harvested solar energy for every  Texan.
Events On the Horizon

February 3, 2018

The recovery from Harvey is tough, but the need for an emphasis on solar power has never been greater. HREG hosts the first solar tour of the year in Cypress, Texas.
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Build San Antonio Green 
February 8, 2018

Join Build San Antonio Green at the latest of their certified projects and learn what's in store for BSAG in 2018. 
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February 27-March 1
Austin

The summit will cover the proposed new market rules and economic drivers, and bring policy-makers together with utility, solar, wind and other executives to explore the potential opportunities. The impacts of an anticipated upsurge in solar capacity will be examined.
Friends of TXSES receive a 10% registration discount-  code 180825  
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June 10, 2018

Save the date for this self-guided tour, our 22nd collaboration with Austin Energy Green Building. Learn from the design and building professionals and best of all, the owners, on how to create an energy efficient, beautiful and comfortable home.
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 Where do you live?

TXSES has chapters around the state that
focus on energy efficiency, solar power and renewable resources. 

NTREG meets the second Saturday of the month in Dallas.

Solar Austin's   H appy Hour is 4th Tuesday of the month.

HREG meets monthly in Houston.

Bring Solar Home is a program Build San Antonio Green hosts to create a sustainable city.

Exclusive Interview
with Joshua Rhodes
 
The Trump Tariffs
 In Terms a Ratepayer Can Understand, How Does the Tariff Affect Solar Energy Prices?



By Ron Zagarri, TXSES

On January 22 the Trump administration officially announced the imposition of long-feared tariffs  on imported solar cells and modules. The solar industry reacted to the decision with disappointment and concern over the  impact  to  growth and employment due to the resultant increase in solar costs.

From large utility-scale solar farms to small rooftop solar systems, costs will no doubt rise, but - in terms the average electricity ratepayer can understand - by how much?

No organization has published research on this all-important metric, until now. I recently spoke with Joshua Rhodes, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas-Austin and recognized expert in the bulk energy market, to discuss his research in tariff-induced solar energy costs.

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Both nationally and locally, solar news over the past months has been of particular interest and we want to give you the headlines. Find the full stories a t:
Texas News

  • The 182 MW Midway facility, the largest solar plant in Texas, breaks ground
  • San Antonio's Mission Solar Energy boosts  module production in wake of tariff decision
  • Analyst estimates the new Austin solar contract is the lowest in the country
  • Austin City Council approves new 150 MW solar contract
  • El Paso Electric settlement slaps new solar customers with nation's highest minimum bill
  • Tariff threat puts $100 million solar farm near Fort Stockton on hold
  • Additional Texas coal plant retirements create more opportunity for solar
 
National News

  • Despite Trump's efforts, cheap renewables continue to make fossil fuels less profitable in 2017
  • Why the U.S. government consistently underestimates the global growth of renewable energy
  • Trump issues 30 percent tariffs on imported crystalline silicon PV modules and cells
  • FERC unanimously rejects Department of Energy proposal to subsidize coal and nuclear plants
  • The U.S. trade case just put $1 per watt solar pricing back out of reach
  • Global solar forecasted to rise to 95 to 100 GW this year
  • Tariff risk has caused module prices to increase, a phenomenon unique to the U.S.