Renewable Energy & Sustainable Companies
The El Paso Metro is leading the way in Texas to a balanced, clean energy economy
The region is prime for clean technology to take advantage of the pro-business culture, low taxes, and high solar energy and wind energy index. El Paso county gets 297 days of sunny weather a year, which is no surprise why solar energy companies look at the west Texas region as a test site and a great workplace to invest. In 2017, El Paso was awarded the SolSmart Gold designation by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), which helps states lower barriers to install solar energy systems. El Paso county is also a leader in water technology and sustainability, and seeks creative companies that improve our need for quality water solutions.
THE REGION IS A TOP ENERGY LOCATION THAT OFFERS
Proximity to energy-related higher education programs and research centers.
- The University of Texas at El Paso offers various energy-related academic programs through its College of Engineering including the Power and Renewable Energy Systems Lab (PRES), its NASA MIRO Center for Space Exploration and Technology Research (cSETR), and W. M. Keck Center for 3-D Innovation
- The University of Texas Geological Sciences Department receives millions of dollars from the US Geological Survey, NASA, Department of Energy and major gas and oil corporations to do research and exploration.
- El Paso Community College offers renewal energy technology programs that provide graduates with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) exam and OSHA 30 certification.
The ability to recruit and retain talent and access to research laboratories and private R&D activities
The region has several commercialization programs, from technology transfer and licensed technology to spin-off companies and public-private partnerships.
Business organizations and public policy programs designed to encourage industry growth
Community Solar Program – El Paso Electric
In 2017, they also announced the launch of their Community Solar Program! El Paso Electric residential and commercial customers in El Paso Electric’s Texas service territory who don’t already have rooftop panels are eligible to subscribe to the Community Solar Program, whether the customer rents, leases or owns his or her home.
For more information about interconnection, renewable energy projects, and more, check out El Paso Electric’s Renewable Energy webpage.
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Financing
There are also many options available for financing solar projects. In 2016 the County of El Paso adopted the PACE program and selected the Texas PACE Authority (TPA) to administer the program. El Paso is the 5th Texas County to adopt a county-wide PACE program.
The PACE program is an optional financing tool – a mechanism to enable owners of commercial and industrial property to gain access to funds for projects that will reduce water and energy utility costs under the most flexible and favorable terms. To learn more about PACE financing, check out the Texas PACE Authority’s website.
Regional Renewable Energy Advisory Council (RREAC)
The City of El Paso formed a Regional Renewable Energy Advisory Council (RREAC) to provide recommendations to City Council about all matters related to renewable energy strategy and industry development. For more information, please visit the RREAC page.