Proceedings of the 2nd Annual International Conference on Energy Sustainability ES2008 August 10-14, 2008, Jacksonville, Florida, USA ES2008-54148 An Assessment and Comparison of Installed Solar and Wind Capacity in Texas Erin Keys Michael E. Webber, Ph.D. Department of Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering University of Texas at Austin Associate Director, Center for International Energy and 512/656-7404 Environmental Policy
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[email protected] http://www.webberenergygroup.com Abstract of development, whereas few significant solar projects have been announced. This paper presents the first-ever comprehensive This solar assessment exposes a stark difference in assessment of the installed solar capacity in Texas. While the pace, cost and total size of installation for these two power power generated from grid-tied solar photovoltaic installations sources, which is the likely experience for many other states. can be tracked, an inventory including the capacity of these While these differences do not negate solar as a future power and other types of solar installations has never been option, they raise further questions about the technical, social, performed. In contrast, installed wind capacity in Texas is and economic barriers each renewable technology faces, as closely tracked and widely publicized. Because of this well as the feasibility and design of incentives to further discrepancy, decision-makers have lacked critical information market penetration. Understanding this mixed history for to gauge the appropriateness of solar versus wind power for these two power sources offers instructive guidance and useful future installations, complicating their ability to prioritize insights to policymakers nationwide.