Texas Rising March/April 2010

Energy Sector
Gets a Boost

Strategies for Success

Stimulus money helps students such as TSTC’s Will Lear get hands-on training in solar energy technology.

More energy money
to be distributed

Renewable power technology isn’t the only energy sector getting a boost from more than $290 million in stimulus money funneled through SECO.

Other programs include:

  • Building Efficiency and Retrofit ($134.8 million) – provides revolving loans to increase the energy efficiency of public buildings. Six projects totaling $37.6 million were awarded in mid-April.
  • Transportation Efficiency ($17 million) – encourages use of alternative fuels and modernizing traffic signals. Awarded $11 million to 13 alternative fuel projects in late 2009 and $6 million to 16 traffic projects in January 2010.
  • Energy Sector Training Center ($6 million) – designed to produce a work force to handle demands of renewable energy technologies. Grants were expected to be awarded in late spring.
  • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants ($45.6 million) – fosters improved energy efficiency and reduction of fossil fuel emissions by government entities. Expected to be announced by mid-2010.

    • Source: The SECO Stimulus web site.

    Sunshine Stimulus Powers Schools, Training

    SECO renewable energy grants spark solar growth

    by Mark Wangrin

    The sun shines for free, but efficiently capturing and using the energy it provides takes money. Lots of it.

    In mid-March, the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) awarded 32 grants worth $31.4 million to develop solar energy. The funding comes from the February 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s $3.1 billion nationwide allocation for the State Energy Program, aimed at reducing the nation’s carbon footprint by encouraging renewable energy development.

    More SECO grants for other renewable energy technologies totaling almost $20 million will be awarded as soon as they receive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance. The goal is to meet the Texas Renewable Energy Portfolio standard of 10,000 megawatts by 2025.

    Bright Minds, Good Jobs

    Texas State Technical College (TSTC) got two grants for campuses in Harlingen and Waco that will install energy-producing equipment. Just as importantly, they’ll train a solar-savvy work force.

    “There’s a lot of national interest on solar, because of the stimulus and the focus on green energy,” says Carliss Hyde of TSTC’s Office of Sponsored Programs. “There’s a lot of opportunity for people out there in the work force who are looking to become solar technicians. This program will make that possible.”

    At TSTC-Waco, a grid-tiered 219.4 kW system will be built on the Electronics Center roof, up the stairs from the school’s Renewable Energy Lab. There, students will learn how to mount and maintain solar arrays, before advancing to internships to practice their trade with Meridian Solar, a Central Texas energy firm.

    Each grant comes with matching funds secured by the applicant. For example, TSTC’s $978,226 grant for its Waco project is matched by $246,363 in energy generation rebates provided by Oncor, the region’s electrical utility distributor.

    Blaze for the Buck

    Part of SECO’s aim is to make solar energy technology cost-effective on a widespread basis. Current solar arrays generally cost more to install than what’s reflected in energy savings over the life of the system.

    “Creating a profitable market right now for solar panel manufacturers will enable them to continue research and development on less-expensive, higher-performing panels,” says Sid Bolfing, co-chairman of TSTC’s Electrical Power and Control Department. “And it gives the industry a chance to have a trained work force ready, which should enhance profitability.” TR

    Which institutions were awarded Distributed Renewable Energy Technology through the State Energy Conservation Office? Find the whole list at the SECO Stimulus site.

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