Texas Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency |
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Last DSIRE Review: 11/06/2012
Program Overview:
| State: |
Texas |
| Incentive Type: |
Energy Standards for Public Buildings |
| Eligible Efficiency Technologies: |
Unspecified Technologies |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps |
| Applicable Sectors: |
State Government |
| Requirement: | Economic analysis of renewable energy and energy efficiency strategies in state building projects; strategies must be implemented if determined to be cost-effective. |
| Web Site: |
http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/sa_codes.html
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Authority 1:
Date Enacted:
Date Effective:
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Texas Government Code ยง 2166.401 et seq.
05/05/1995 (subsequently amended)
09/01/2005 (as amended)
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Summary:
Texas requires state government departments to compare the cost of providing energy alternatives for new and reconstructed state government buildings and for certain construction or repair to energy systems and equipment. The governing body must determine economic feasibility of incorporating alternative energy for space heating and cooling, water heating, electricity, and/or interior lighting (i.e. the "function") by comparing the estimated cost of providing energy for the function using conventional design practices and energy systems with the estimated cost of providing energy for the function using energy efficient architecture and design or alternative energy devices during the economic life of the building. If the use of alternative energy devices for a particular function is economically feasible, then the use of alternative energy devices must be included in construction plans.
Alternative energy is defined to include solar, biomass, wind, and geothermal energy sources. This section of Texas law (Texas Government Code § 2166.403) was originally put in place in 1995. It was amended in 2005 (S.B. 982) to add geothermal to the list of eligible resources and designate the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) as the authority for approving any methodology or electronic software used to make the required comparisons. SECO accepts one software program (RETScreen) for this purpose. Further details are available on the program website. |
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Disclaimer: The information presented on the DSIRE web site provides an unofficial overview of financial incentives and other policies. It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions or tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided below each summary to verify that a specific financial incentive or other policy applies to your project.
While the DSIRE staff strives to provide the best information possible, the DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. make no representations or warranties, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information. The DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. disclaim all liability of any kind arising out of your use or misuse of the information contained or referenced on DSIRE Web pages.
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