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Episode Description
Smithville, Texas, a town known for its giant gingerbread man and Hollywood cameos, is making headlines for something even bigger—its solar future. With a 1.4MW solar power plant now generating clean energy for over 100 homes, this small town is proving that the energy transition isn’t just for big cities.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Smithville’s solar transformation, from the unique financing mechanism that made it possible to the community benefits already taking shape. Hear from the local government and developers as they share the challenges, solutions, and surprising impacts of bringing solar to rural America.
🔹 The financing strategy that covered 50% of the project cost
🔹 How a 25-year power purchase agreement is saving the city $40K per year
🔹 The unexpected way Smithville is maintaining the land (hint: 🐑)
🔹 Why this project could be a model for small towns across the U.S.
Join us for a look at how America’s small towns can take big steps toward a clean energy future.
RESOURCES:
Connect with Robert Tamble:
Connect with Mark Rangel:
Connect with Sam Buffington:
Connect with Blake Gand:
Check out Smithville, TX:
Check out Spear C&I:
Check out Trinasolar:
Noteworthy Quotes:
"This 25-year purchase power plan that we, that we have, is going to allow us to achieve significant savings over the long term that we can put back into the maintenance of the transmission lines, the 42 miles of transmission lines that we have in our community." - Robert Tamble
"The system, it produces 2.67 gigawatt hours each year, which is big for a small community like Smithville." - Mark Rangel
"My job here is to build relationships with EPCs developers and utilities to help them solve their unique energy problems." - Sam Buffington
"My job here is to build relationships with EPCs developers and utilities to help them solve their unique energy problems." - Sam Buffington
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Nico Johnson
Entrepreneur & Podcaster
In my 20 year career, I've worked with dozens of entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and professionals in transition to clarify their mission, set or stretch their goals, and work through the barriers to their growth.
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