Through Solar Energy, Houston began its journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future in 2017.
In the C40 Reinventing Cities Competition, Houston officials competed with 13 other cities to transform unused land into carbon-free energy sources. In partnership with Wolfe Energy and the Sunnyside neighborhood in south Houston, officials discovered hope in an unexpected place: a 240-acre abandoned dump.
THE PLAN
Wolfe Energy formed Sunnyside Energy, LLC, to manage the project. After deciding that the landfill would be the perfect place for a solar farm, Wolfe Energy decided to create Sunnyside Energy, LLC. The city of Houston leased the company for $1 per annum, meaning that the city still owns the land, but Sunnyside Energy owns the project.
The plan is to equip the land with enough solar panels to power 10,000 homes using solar energy.
The final plans show that there will be two solar power projects at the former landfill. The first portion generates electricity for residents, while the second sells it to large energy consumers, such as hospitals, schools, and businesses.
Sunnyside Energy wants to provide more green space in the community, as solar is growing in Houston. Plans include solar energy education centers and walking and cycling paths.
How it’s going
After a large-scale analysis, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (a nonprofit organization comprised of energy consumers and businesses) must approve this solar energy project. The land will suit the project, as the landfill has been neglected for many years. Sunnyside Energy is working to secure permits and customers to start construction.
Sunnyside Energy has been planning for a long time, but they hope to start construction in 2022. They also plan to have the facility operational by the end of the year.
The company needs 200-300 residential subscribers and 3 to 5 nonprofit partners to achieve this. Sunnyside Energy estimates that customers will recover costs within 13-15 years. Subscribers are also eligible for a federal investment tax credit of 22%.
How this solar energy project promises hope
More than one-third of Sunnyside’s population currently lives below the poverty level. Sunnyside’s solar energy project will provide locals with 10% of all jobs created and ongoing training. Residents will reduce their carbon footprints and get jobs and training that can open up a whole new career.
In 2018, 11 million Americans were employed in solar energy. This is 700,000 additional solar energy jobs compared to 2017. Sunnyside Energy puts Houstonians at the forefront of the solar energy industry by providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed.
Learn more about the Solar Energy Revolution.
Even if you live outside the Sunnyside Energy solar farm service area, you can still be a part. You can read an article about Sunnyside Energy’s project that Sunnyside Energy Community Solar launched a city-wide cooperative in April 2021.
If you want to learn more about solar energy’s advantages and options, contact Freedom Solar Power.