The Texas State legislature ended its most recent session, passing only one of the numerous solar-related bills under consideration, according to New York Times reporter Kate Galbraith.
State lawmakers had proposed dozens of bills in an effort to make the state a top producer of solar energy–so many that the session had been dubbed the "solar session." But in the end, lawmakers failed on major initiatives to appropriate $500 million in solar rebates and change the state’s renewable portfolio standard to expand requirements for solar, biomass and geothermal.
Rebates would have cost homeowners an additional $0.20 on monthly utility bills, according to the report.
The only bill that passed is one that allows homeowners to pay for residential solar systems with local government funds that would be paid back through a lien on property taxes. This funding model–originated in Berkeley, California is beginning to catch on across the country.
Read more coverage of the Texas legislative session at the link below.
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