The Solar Reflector
Newsletter of the Texas Solar Energy Society
September 2015  

You can help us to fulfill our mission.
Please join! Memberships 
start at $25.

 

We need your support for- 

 

*Solar Tours

 

*New website soon

 

*Local chapter support

 

*Solar Power Car Kits for Kids

 

*Outreach to extend the 30% Federal Tax Credit for residential solar installations

 

*Collaboration with like minded organizations  

 



 We Have Chapters in  Houston
   North Texas 
Austin 
San Antonio

The individuals in these local TXSES chapters work to increase the megawatt power of solar energy in their communities. 





North Texas Renewable Energy Group


     



TXSES is a Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society

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ASES - Shining a light on the solution since 1954.





One environment, one simple way to care for it. Your gift through workplace giving supports more than three dozen Texas environmental not-for-profit charities.  

Learn how Reliant Energy generously supports EarthShare Texas and the Texas Solar Energy Society through their  EcoShare Program 






Thank you to the volunteers, homeowners, architects, builders, contractors and especially to Austin Energy Green Building for making the 19th Cool House Tour a huge success. We're looking forward to the 20th Tour in June 2016.

October is National Solar Tour Month- 
TXSES and Its Chapters Have It Covered! 

   
This edition of the Solar Reflector is all about the opportunity to get out in your community and learn about solar and renewable energy. If you are interested in solar for your home, your business and in your community, October and November are your months! 
In conjunction with the ASES National Solar Tour, TXSES and its chapters have been planning all year to present multiple opportunities to educate Texans on our most valuable natural resource, the sun that falls within our borders.


  

When we first partnered with Pedernales Electric for this tour in 2011, fewer than 100 solar installations dotted the territory of the largest electric coop in the country. There are now over 770  solar installations and we like to think the tour had something to do with it. Learn how PEC promotes the adoption of solar energy, their plans for community solar, meet installers, attend the Solar Power Car Kits for Kids workshop and visit the four solar homes featured. The homeowners and installers at these homes offer a wealth of information to those considering solar power. Free & self-guided.


  

DFW Solar Tour October 3, North Texas Region 

At press time, 50+ projects were on board for the largest solar tour in Texas with 15 mayors and city councils proclaiming October 3 is DFW Solar Tour Day!. Produced by the members of the North Texas Renewable Energy Group (NTREG), this tour enables people to learn how their neighbors - homeowners and businesses alike - are using solar energy, wind energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to save money and promote a cleaner planet. Actions can be as simple changing to LED light bulbs and selecting more efficient appliances. Want to know more? Talk to owners with cutting-edge, ultra-efficient eco-homes and businesses that are generating as much or more energy than they consume. Free & self-guided.


  
Bastrop Solar Tour  October 17, Bastrop County

The first ever Bastrop Solar Tour kicks off at 9:00am at the Stanberry & Associates office with a presentation by Solar Austin's Kaiba White and Johnny Sanders from Bluebonnet Electric Coop.Then it's off to view four homes that have made the choice to go solar. Talk to the homeowners about their experience and meet the installers. As this community rebuilds after the devastating fires of 2011, homeowners are looking to energy efficient practices and pulling power from the sun. Free and self-guided.



South to Houston and our chapter, Houston Renewable Energy Group is planning a tour of solar installations in Pearland. Both DYI and professionally installed solar arrays will be featured. This will be the first of four solar tours, to be hosted over the coming year in the communities in and around the city. Houston, the home of oil and gas is going solar. Last year's successful month-long solar workshop series  at IKEA is also back for the month of October.

 
Solar Fest 2015-Capture the Power November 14, San Antonio 

Solar San Antonio just merged with Build San Antonio Green and they are excited to present a new and broader Solar Fest at Roosevelt Park this year! Expect live music, local breweries and groups that relate to the larger sustainability conversation in San Antonio. Learn about city initiatives related to sustainability and renewable energy, how to incorporate sustainable practices into your daily lives, hear plans for the San Antonio energy future and explore the opportunities for urban farming, community gardens and farmers markets. Free and open to all.
          

 The Solar Reflector is a publication of the 
 Texas Solar Energy Society 

The Texas Solar Energy Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1976. The mission is to educate citizens on the value of solar energy for their homes and businesses and in their communities, empower them to make informed decisions and encourage them to connect with professional Texas solar companies. 

Board Officers
        Scot Arey - Chairman  (Killeen)
        Ross Pumfrey- VIce-Chairman  (Austin)
        Bill Glass - Secretary (Austin)
        Jessica Galloway - Treasurer (Austin)
Board Members at Large
        D.J. Rosebaugh (Austin)
        Larry Howe (Plano)
        Richard Behlmann (Katy)
        Nathan Doxsey (Austin)        
 Chapter Representatives to the Board
        Bill Swann - Houston Renewable Energy Group (HREG)
        Matt Weldon - Solar Austin
        Jim Duncan - North Texas Renewable Energy Group (NTREG)                                    Kate Rodriguez- Build San Antonio Green
 Executive Director - Lucy Stolzenburg 
 Solar Reflector Editor-Lucy Stolzenburg   

 
www.txses.org
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Visit us for a list of all our business supporters. We thank all of our members, both business and individual, for supporting our mission to educate Texans on the value of solar and encourage its adoption through local Texas businesses.