SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio is the top-ranked solar city in the lone star state and eighth nationwide, according to a newly released report By the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center.
Solar was the No. 1 new source of energy installed in the United States last year, and the Alamo City is ranked as one of the best solar cities in America.
"We really look to bring the best value we can to customers here in town -- keep our rates low -- and solar has become a very big part of that," said Todd Horsman, CPS Energy senior director of Strategy and Product Development.
CPS Energy recently extended its solar rebate program by an additional $15 million. Currently, the rebate limits of $25,000 for residential projects and $80,000 for commercial projects. The rebates are also capped at 50 percent of project cost, CPS says on its website.
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"San Antonio should definitely be excited to be in the top 10. However, last year, (it was) seventh. So we want to see San Antonio really beef up their solar policies and advocate for even more solar and so they can remain in the top ten and even move up in the ranks year after year," said Environment Texas campaign organizer Emily Weisfeld.
While Environment Texas’ report shows that San Antonio is a leader is solar energy, a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy shows the Alamo City ranks fourth in the country for rooftop solar potential, but found it is utilizing only 3 percent of it.
RELATED: Local solar company launches incentive program in lower income areas
Local programs and incentives cut the costs of installing solar panels. CPS Energy has a 'Simply Solar' program in which residents can lease their roof space for solar energy in exchange for credit on their utility bills.
Not only would customers be contributing to the community’s solar capacity, but it would also help keep prices competitive and contribute to the overall health of our environment, officials said.
RELATED: District 2 residents benefit from solar-incentive program
"The widespread effects of solar, really you can’t put a price tag on health and clean ai, and not reaching non-attainment. So I would really encourage families to put (in) as much solar as they can right now,” Weisfeld said.
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