Solar power becomes a more significant part of our state’s electrical generation capacity each year. According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), there are 22,710 megawatts of solar capacity here in Texas as of 2024.
And more recently another form of renewable energy is on the scene: Geothermal energy is clean, inexpensive, and plentiful. Here’s how geothermal power works and five reasons it perfectly complements solar power.
What Is Geothermal Power?
Geothermal power exploits heat below the Earth’s surface to generate electricity. Generally, geothermal power plants rely on natural steam vents or artificially created ones to drive turbines. In places like Iceland, which is volcanically active, geothermal power makes up 27% of all electricity production. Here in Texas, geothermal exploration is still in its infancy. However, numerous companies are already working to change that.
Texas is a hotbed of geothermal power research because of its other well-known energy resource: oil. One primary task in creating geothermal power plants is drilling to tap into subsurface heat. With geological experts and experienced drillers all over the state, we have the perfect workforce for geothermal. That positions us well to pair our already-growing solar capacity with new geothermal capacity.
Why Geothermal and Solar Are Perfect Together
There are various reasons why solar power and geothermal power are a perfect pair. Here are five of the most important among them.
1. Both Offer Clean Energy
At any given moment, about 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the Earth. Capturing just a fraction of that could power our civilization indefinitely. Plus, capturing that energy with solar panels is virtually carbon-neutral.
For its part, geothermal energy production can be totally carbon neutral. Binary-cycle geothermal plants, which operate using closed fluid loops, generate zero emissions. As a result, geothermal is one of the only renewable energy solutions that’s even cleaner than solar.
2. Nearly Unlimited Capacity
Both solar and geothermal power boast nearly unlimited generation capacity. Solar radiation is ever-present, and subsurface heat is, too. According to a major study by The University of Texas at Austin, Texas could decarbonize its grid with geothermal alone. By pairing geothermal power with solar, Texas could grow its power generation to meet all future needs. The only real constraint on either power source is space. However, solar has plenty of room to grow by exploiting rooftop deployments.
3. Quiet Operation
Solar power and geothermal energy sites have another thing in common: they’re quiet. Solar panels have no moving parts and can operate anywhere without disturbing anyone. Geothermal plants also operate quietly, with only noise coming from spinning steam turbines. Turbine enclosures prevent any of that noise from reaching the surrounding environment. That makes solar and geothermal easy to integrate into neighborhoods, eliminating local resistance to development.
4. Safe Operation
Unlike other renewable energy solutions, solar and geothermal have very few safety risks. That contrasts with other green energy solutions like wind and nuclear power. The former carries environmental risks and can even alter atmospheric conditions around turbines. The latter can render an area uninhabitable in the event of an accident.
5. Energy Storage Symbiosis
Finally, geothermal power may solve solar power’s biggest weakness. Geothermal power plants can serve as energy storage for excess solar power production. When solar power exceeds demand during the day, it’s possible to use that power to create hot water or steam. By pumping that into a geothermal plant’s underground reservoir, you can store it for later use. Then, the plant can extract the stored power as heat to operate its turbines.
Studies have demonstrated that geothermal energy storage can be 82% efficient. Those figures may also improve with further technological development. Even today’s best battery systems hover at around 90% efficiency. When you consider that geothermal storage won’t wear out or lose capacity, its advantages become apparent.
Local Solar Power Experts
You don’t have to wait to start enjoying the benefits of renewable energy. GVEC Solar & Battery Services offers affordable, high-quality solar panel installations today! We also provide solar maintenance, repair services, system design, and battery storage options. We’ve been the area’s premier solar power company since 2013. So, if you want a solar power system for your home in South Central Texas, call GVEC Solar & Battery Services today!
