From a fleet of Siena minivans circling a solar farm at a cutting-edge Memphis dealership to 10 traffic-filled days visiting dozens of California dealerships and manufacturers, Ryan Ferrero hit the road this summer to bring you the latest solar news for the automotive industry. Chuck Hutton Toyota, owned by YK Auto Group, is being transformed into a model of sustainability for the future with solar power, EV chargers, and even grass-mowing sheep. In total, the company expects about $298,000 in savings and new revenue annually. The dealership is set to run almost entirely on solar power thanks ..read more

Originally published by enerG Magazine; Written by Diane Mettler. Freedom Solar Power has completed the largest commercial solar installation in the greater Houston area in partnership with Stainless Structurals, that is now replacing the equivalent of thousands of barrels of oil per year. The new Stainless Structurals solar system sits less than a hundred miles away from Spindletop,  Texas — one of the most transformative oil fields that marked the start of the 1901 Texas oil boom. Over one hundred years later, this solar installation, which will replace the equivalent of 3,900 barrels o ..read more

Asking how much solar panels cost in Texas is like asking how much a car costs; the answer varies widely based on numerous variables. Just as different car models, features, and brands can significantly impact price, the costs of solar panels are influenced by system size, technology type, and installation complexities!  Factors such as personal energy needs, geographic location, and available incentives further complicate the estimation, making it essential to consider all these elements before arriving at a final figure — and a system that hits the sweet spot of meeting your energy need ..read more

If you’re looking into whether solar is a fit for your home, you might have a lot of questions. Do I have enough sunlight to warrant an installation? Am I financially ready for the upfront costs? Do I know enough about the installation process? How do I know which solar installer will help me make the most of a solar installation in Texas? You’re likely also wondering whether solar energy can truly meet your energy needs or whether the panels' appearance will blend well with your home’s style. Let’s dive into the solar market in Texas, the dollars and cents behind a renewable investment, and w ..read more

Originally published by Memphis Business Journal; Written by Stephen MacLeod. A car dealership in Whitehaven is the site of an advanced, ambitious sustainability plan. The project is headed by Young Kim of YK Auto Group, which owns Chuck Hutton Toyota. Chuck Hutton Toyota is spending $7.9 million to transform the dealership into a sustainability model, keying in on solar power and EV chargers, plus even utilizing grass-mowing sheep. Environmentally sustainable model Chuck Hutton Toyota's plan and construction progress drew the notice of the dealership's parent brand as emblematic of a larger i ..read more

Authored by Bret Biggart You know all about Hurricane Beryl and the devastation it wrought in the Houston area last month.  You know about CenterPoint Energy’s inability to restore power quickly, the dozens of people who died, the costs that customers will be paying off for a generation, and the corporate investments that cost hundreds of millions of dollars but failed to keep the lights on.  You probably aren’t surprised to know that CenterPoint had been judged among the least reliable utility companies in the nation even before Beryl, and other similarly big utilities such as Flori ..read more

August 6, 2024 — We are deeply saddened to hear the news today of SunPower's Chapter 11 filing. As a long-time partner of ours, we have many peers and friends who are impacted by this news. We are grateful to SunPower for our many years of partnership and wish their team the best as they navigate this difficult time.  Many of our customers will want to know what this means for them - we at Freedom Solar Power are here for our current and future customers and are stable for continued service and growth. We expect that any existing active warranties in place will be covered by a pass-throug ..read more

Solar energy's applications are numerous and extend far beyond offering homeowners a backup power source. In recent years, the conversation around ground-mounted solar installations and wildlife conservation has been gaining attention—in no small part because of a boom in solar farms nationwide.  As the pressing need for renewable energy intensifies, finding ways for solar energy and land conservation to coexist has become crucial. Learn how solar panels positively impact the environment, and how rooftop solar is paving a way for conservationists to harness the infinite energy from the su ..read more

As the push for sustainable energy solutions gains momentum, Texas homeowners increasingly look to solar power as a viable and cost-effective option for their energy needs. In recent years, the state has seen a significant uptick in residential solar installations, with over 500,000 homes now harnessing the power of the sun.1 This surge can be attributed to the decreasing costs of solar panels, which have dropped by more than 80% over the last decade, and the abundance of sunlight Texas receives—averaging around 204 sunny days per year.2 Entergy Texas, Inc. (ETI) serves over 460,000 customers ..read more

Authored by Bret Biggart How would you like it if, instead of you sending money to the power company every month, the power company sent money to you? That’s the idea behind virtual power plants (VPPs), an innovative energy solution that protects people from extreme weather, lowers energy costs, fortifies the power grid, AND turns rooftop solar owners into potential power generators. Freedom Solar is helping willing customers to sign up for Tesla Electric’s landmark VPP program. Interested? Read on …  What Are Virtual Power Plants? Think of it as having your own mini power grid at home ..read more