Quietly Powering a Renewable Revolution — And It Could Be Happening in Your Neighborhood
Texas is rewriting the national energy story. The ERCOT grid recently hit a new milestone — renewable energy now accounts for more than half of power generation during peak hours. Solar, wind, and batteries are driving this transformation faster than anyone expected.
According to SolarQuarter, Texas added more solar capacity in 2025 than the following three largest states combined. But while the headlines focus on utility-scale growth, the real change is happening closer to home through community-scale, ground-mounted solar projects.
ERCOT’s Record-Breaking Renewable Share
ERCOT’s latest data shows solar generation exceeding coal output, sometimes by a wide margin. Wind and solar together now power millions of Texas homes, a triumph of both policy and private innovation.
Yet demand keeps growing. New residents, electric vehicles, and industrial loads are pushing the system to its limits. This creates the perfect environment for community-based, distributed energy small-scale projects that generate power locally and keep benefits in the community.
Why Power Demand Keeps Rising
From new data centers near Dallas to growing towns across Hill Country, Texas electricity demand is climbing fast. ERCOT forecasts show double-digit growth by 2030. That means we need not just more power, but smarter, more resilient power, especially for communities on the edge of grid congestion.
Ground-mounted community solar projects fill that gap. They reduce transmission losses, relieve grid strain, and bring the renewable revolution directly into the hands of local people.
What Is Community Solar and Why It Matters Now
Community solar is simple: a shared solar array, often ground-mounted, that supplies clean electricity to multiple subscribers. Participants, such as churches or nonprofits, receive credit on their power bills for the energy produced by their share of the project.
It’s the most accessible way for communities to benefit from solar without installing rooftop panels. And in Texas, it’s increasingly how small towns and local landowners are taking energy independence into their own hands.
The Local Power Model: Shared Solar Without Rooftops
Unlike rooftop systems, ground-mounted solar arrays can be built on open fields, landfills, or municipal property. They’re easier to scale, maintain, and most importantly, invite community participation.
This model transforms solar from an out-of-reach environmental cause into a shared local achievement. Residents can see it, visit it, and even help build it.
That’s the essence of community-built energy: local work, local benefit, local pride.
Turning Statewide Momentum Into Local Impact
ERCOT’s renewable surge provides the foundation. But what matters is how each town, parish, and organization can plug into that momentum. Ground-mounted community solar transforms statewide progress into something tangible, a visible sign of stewardship, collaboration, and shared resilience.
Economic Benefits That Stay in the Community
Each megawatt of community-scale solar creates dozens of local jobs in site prep, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Construction contracts go to nearby firms. Volunteer days bring congregations and residents together to build the system physically.
Instead of energy dollars leaving town, they circulate, supporting small businesses, tradespeople, and local economies.
Resilience Through Local Generation
When a region’s power comes from only a few big plants, outages spread fast. Distributed, community-built solar + battery projects act as local anchors. Providing stored energy during emergencies and reducing reliance on distant infrastructure.
How Community Solar Saves Money
Because subscribers share energy produced at a fixed cost, community solar shields them from market volatility. When wholesale electricity prices spike, like during summer heatwaves or winter freezes, participants still pay predictable rates.
A typical 1 MW ground-mounted community solar project can reduce local energy spending by $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
Example: A Small Town’s Budget Win
Take a small South Texas town with several municipal buildings and local nonprofits. By subscribing to a community solar project built on nearby land, those facilities could save thousands annually. Allocating more funds that stay local instead of going to utility rate hikes.
Why Predictable Pricing Matters for Nonprofits
For churches, schools, and service organizations, stable energy pricing means freedom from budget anxiety. The savings translate directly into mission work —from food programs to youth services —turning sunlight into social good.
Aurevia Energy’s Role: From Concept to Connection
Aurevia Energy specializes in community-scale, ground-mounted solar projects designed to deliver both resilience and community participation. The company’s Build in Partnership model ensures that projects are locally sourced, ethically financed, and built with faith-driven care.
Local Partnership Approach
Aurevia collaborates with local contractors, electricians, and even volunteers to bring projects to life. This hands-on approach ensures jobs, skills, and benefits remain in the community long after construction ends.
Community-Built Solar: Hands-On Power for Local People
In Aurevia projects, the energy transition isn’t something that happens to communities — it happens with them.
Residents, local business owners, community members, and volunteers are invited to help with the installation of ground-mounted solar systems under professional supervision. They assist in placing panels, preparing wiring, and preparing the racking. Safe, meaningful work that builds ownership, along with a new skill.
It’s more than energy. It’s education, empowerment, and faith in action.
Education: Participants learn fundamental solar installation skills.
Empowerment: Locals see immediate, tangible progress.
Community spirit: Projects end with celebration — a shared sense of purpose and creation.
When you build it together, you care for it together. That’s the power of community-installed solar.
Faith and Stewardship Values
Aurevia’s mission centers on stewardship — of land, resources, and relationships. By designing projects that invite community involvement, the company ensures every project reflects the shared values of service, sustainability, and gratitude.
What We Assess
Land suitability for ground-mounted arrays
Grid interconnection proximity
Community load and subscriber mix
Volunteer and local workforce engagement potential
The Future of Texas Energy Is Local — and Built by Texans
Texas is leading America’s renewable future, but the next great leap isn’t about bigger power plants — it’s about smaller, smarter, locally owned energy. Ground-mounted, community-built solar brings that future to your backyard.
Together, towns, churches, and landowners can turn sunlight into shared strength — proving that when Texans build together, we all shine brighter.
FAQs: Texas Ground-Mounted Community Solar
Q1. What is a ground-mounted community solar project?
It’s a shared solar array built on open land that multiple subscribers can join, earning energy credits and cost savings.
Q2. Who can participate or host a project?
Churches, schools, nonprofits, and municipalities, masterplanned communities, urban landfill/brownfield owners — especially those with unused land or strong community networks.
Q3. Can community members help install the solar panels?
Yes. Under Aurevia’s supervised Build in Partnership model, volunteers can safely assist in installation and learn renewable energy skills.
Q4. What are the benefits of ground-mounted vs. rooftop solar?
Ground-mounted systems are more accessible, safer for volunteers, easier to maintain, and better suited for shared community ownership.
Q5. How can we start a project in our town?
Request your Community Opportunity Check at aureviaenergy.com to explore hosting or subscribing options.
Conclusion: Building the Future, One Town at a Time
The renewable story in Texas is no longer just about megawatts — it’s about people. When local hands help install local power, the result is more than clean energy; it’s unity, pride, and progress.
Aurevia Energy stands ready to guide Texas communities through that journey, designing and building solar projects that are by the people, for the people, and of the land we call home.
Ready to start your community solar journey? Get in touch with our team - www.aureviaenergy.com/contact
External Source:https://www.dallasfed.org/research/economics/2025/1104-golding-grid?