Texas public power utility CPS Energy is expanding access to solar power for thousands of customers through its Community Solar Program, selecting Big Sun Solar (BSS) to build and operate up to 50 megawatts of new solar generation, marking another milestone in the utility’s Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP), it said on July 30.
The project advances CPS Energy’s Vision 2030 priorities while supporting Horizon 2050, "the utility’s long-term strategy to build a more resilient, reliable and sustainable energy future for the Greater San Antonio community," it said.
Through 20-year power purchase agreements, the program "will generate enough electricity to power approximately 10,000 homes during peak demand, while allowing customers to benefit from the production of solar energy without the need to install or maintain solar panels on their own property."
Through this program, customers can purchase as little as one solar panel in a shared solar facility or purchase enough solar panels to offset up to 100% of their average annual electric consumption.
“This program creates new opportunities for our customers to participate in local, renewable energy, regardless of where they live within our service territory,” said Elaina Ball, chief strategy officer at CPS Energy. “By partnering in this program, we’re expanding access to local solar generation in alignment with our generation plan while continuing to build a diverse and resilient energy portfolio for our community.”
The program is open to all CPS Energy customers, including renters and businesses, with bill credits that follow customers if they move within the CPS Energy service area.
Customers also benefit from full, transferable ownership of their purchased solar panels, while installations are in areas with optimal sun exposure and include maintenance and insurance for 20 years.
The community solar program will also help eliminate traditional barriers that have prevented customers from participating in solar energy, including:
• Homeownership requirements
• Roof condition or structural limitations
• Tree coverage or shading
• Upfront installation costs
• Ongoing maintenance responsibilities
“Community solar reduces the barriers to solar ownership, it reduces the cost, and eliminates the responsibility of maintenance, while increasing the total amount of renewable energy available to our community,” said Jason Pittman, co-founder and president of Big Sun Solar.
Customers have a chance to own one or more panels on solar sites throughout the San Antonio area, including installation at the San Antonio Food Bank. Participants will purchase solar panels through Big Sun Solar. CPS Energy will purchase 100% of the energy generated and provide bill credits based on each panel’s production.
“Community solar is about more than generating renewable energy,” Pittman said. “It’s about giving more people a chance to take ownership in the future of energy production in San Antonio.”
