Hill Country Solar Tour

Pedernales Electric Cooperative, in partnership with the Texas Solar Energy Society, recently hosted the first of its kind Hill Country Solar Tour for nearly 200 Co-op members and guests. The tour highlighted homes and businesses in Dripping Springs and Oak Hill that had solar panels installed to help create more affordable and environmentally friendly energy options.

The tour began at PEC’s Oak Hill office in Southwest Austin and continued on as a self-guided tour to four residential sites and one commercial site, all easily accessible from Highway 290. Before participants took off, Cathy Redson of ImagineSolar gave her Solar 101 presentation to explain more about the history of solar installations and photovoltaics. Redson explained her eagerness to participate: “Texas ranks No. 1 in the U.S. in solar energy potential, and I am thrilled as a PEC member to see my Co-op reaching out to educate and support the use of this technology. Solar is reliable, safe and adds value to your home.” Her presentation can be seen on the PEC website.

One of the residential sites was located on Harris Drive in the Belterra subdivision. Homeowners David and Tamara Hernandez estimate that the 1kw photovoltaic system that David installed himself (with assistance from ImagineSolar) will reduce the electric bill of their 2,000 square foot home to 250kwh per month.

PEC has a strong commitment to renewable energy sources and has delivered electricity from renewable sources for more than 70 years. Their Green Works program is part of their ongoing effort to “advance the use of renewable technologies, environmental responsibility, and conservation activities.” Their future program goals include reducing residential and commercial electric use by 20% and to purchase or generate up to 30% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020.

If you are currently working on an Austin home search in or near the Pedernales Electric Cooperative service area, Austin REALTOR® Brian Talley can certainly help you find the right home to fit your financial and eco-friendly needs.