Solar, Wind, & Batteries Providing Texas with Tens of Billions of Dollars in Tax Revenue – CleanTechnica

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There’s a growing war on renewable energy, particularly in “red” districts and states in the USA. One of the things that is often bewilderingly forgotten by those attacking renewable energy is the enormous tax revenue (and overall economic benefits) solar, wind, and battery storage projects provide. A new report focused on The Lone Star State helps to bring that to the light more.

“Existing and expected utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects will contribute over $20 billion in total tax revenue — and pay Texas landowners $29.5 billion — over the projects’ lifetimes, according to new data released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation (CTEI), Advanced Power Alliance (APA), and the Texas Solar + Storage Association (TSSA),” SEIA writes. “Over 75% of Texas counties are expected to receive tax revenues from either wind, solar, or energy storage projects.”

That’s crazy — more than three-quarters of the gigantic state of Texas is benefiting economically from renewable energy. Who wouldn’t want the fruits of $20 billion in tax revenue, and what landowners wouldn’t want to partake in the $30 billion headed to landowners in the state?

“In many cases, the long-term revenue streams renewable energy and energy storage lease agreements provide are helping rural Texans hold on to land that has been in their families for generations,” said lead author of the report Dr. Joshua Rhodes, a Research Scientist at The University of Texas at Austin and Chief Technology Officer of energy consulting firm IdeaSmiths LLC. “And this comes at a time of tremendous growth in electricity demand when we need every new megawatt we can generate, so renewable energy and energy storage projects have the added benefit of helping to increase the state’s electric grid reliability.”

Indeed. But be careful telling that to people who heard on Fox News or Newsmax that renewable energy was killing whales, kids, and the economy. They may be rabid. That said, SEIA does point out that the vast majority of residents do support solar power.

“This report helps explain why polls show the vast majority of Texans support solar energy development, think solar is good for the economy, and believe that landowners should be able to do what they want with their land,” said Daniel Giese, Texas state director for SEIA. “The solar and storage industry is continuing Texas’ legacy as an energy leader and proud that tax revenue generated by solar energy and storage projects are helping local governments better serve Texans all across the state.”

Here are other key findings from the report:

• Landowners, local elected officials, and community leaders find renewable energy projects favorable for the stability that comes with consistent long-term revenue streams;
• Landowners who exercise their private property rights by hosting renewable energy and energy storage projects are receiving stable, reliable, multigenerational income for their families;
• Communities hosting projects are enjoying new tax revenue for schools, infrastructure, and services;
• The continued growth of renewable energy and energy storage is important for both the state economy and grid reliability; and
• Renewable energy and energy storage projects, individually and co-located, offer predictable, affordable power for Texas homes and businesses.

You can check out the full report, which includes an interactive map, at txrenewables.net.

You can find more quotes from seven industry experts and local residents on SEIA’s website.