Texas sets back solar by at least two years

The Texas legislature disappointed environmental groups this week as it failed to pass the bulk of legislation designed to promote solar energy in the state.

The state killed a bill that would have provided $500m (£313m) in rebates for solar panels. The rebates would have been raised with money from increased electricity bills. The bill, which had strong support from both political parties, failed on a procedural point.

The legislature also failed to vote on a bill that would have mandated the development of 1,500MW of electricity from renewables by 2020.

Texas had 69 alternative energy bills on its books during this legislative session, 50 of which supported the solar industry. Only one of the solar bills passed, enabling homeowners to pay for solar installations using government funds that would be paid back via property taxes.

The failure of these critical pieces of legislation mean the state is unlikely to be able to set up solar incentive plans for another two years.

Nevertheless, Dallas did earn some green credentials this week. The Central Dallas Community Development Corporation has narrowed down proposals for a 'fully sustainable block' to three. They include a vertical farm and a set of buildings, including rooftop solar thermal, photovoltaic and wind power generation.