Solar energy generation is growing in Texas



CONTINUE to see recent energy usage by type. less Houston-based Sunnova arranges for installation of solar panels on customers' roofs including this one in California, but retains ownership of the panels and sells electricity to the homeowners under 25-year contracts. Most of its customers are outside Texas. Houston-based Sunnova arranges for installation of solar panels on customers' roofs including this one in California, but retains ownership of the panels and sells electricity to the homeowners under 25-year ... more Photo: Sunnova Photo: Sunnova Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Solar energy generation is growing in Texas 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

The solar energy market in Texas is small, generating less than 1 percent of the state's energy needs, but it's growing.

Over the next five years, Texas is expected to install 4,266 megawatts of solar power, tripling the state's current installed solar capacity, and making Texas the third fastest-growing solar energy producer behind California and Florida, according to a report by the research group Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association. One megawatt can power about 200 homes in Texas on a hot summer day.

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Nationwide, growth in solar energy capacity is expected to double over the next five years, according to the report.

Currently, Texas is the sixth-largest solar energy state, with nearly 2,500 megawatts installed this year.