Texas Solar Growth

San Marcos approves solar energy plant

City Council approved development of 20-megawatt plant this week.

Nov. 4, 2010 - San Marcos is set to join Austin and Pflugerville as Central Texas cities with plans for solar power plants.

This week, the City Council approved a development agreement for a $74 million solar plant adjacent to the Hays Power Plant southeast of the city.

The agreement with International Power allows for a seven-year no-annexation clause for the 137-acre site, meaning the city will not collect property taxes on the area for seven years, said Amy Madison, president of the Greater San Marcos Economic Development Corp.

After the agreement ends, the city could annex the property, which would mean tax revenues estimated at $1.3 million in 20 years.

International Power, which operates the Hays Power Plant, plans to build most of the solar array on a 100 -acre parcel. {read rest}