Some property owners choose to monetize their real property in order to keep their housing costs low. They might invest in renewable energy systems as a means of defraying household costs or the expenses associated with a small business. Others might view renewable energy generation as a secondary stream of income.
Many Texas property owners install solar arrays and wind turbines to decrease their electricity costs or generate revenue. In recent months, there has also been discussion about the use of geothermal energy. The heat in Texas makes it an ideal location for geothermal energy production.
There are several large projects in the works that may eventually produce significant quantities of geothermal electricity in Western Texas. Can individual property owners also install geothermal systems to generate electricity?
Geothermal systems could face local pushback
If a property owner simply wants to use geothermal energy as a means of heating or cooling their own home, a small-scale project is unlikely to draw much attention from neighbors. However, if the system is large enough to produce a significant amount of electricity, then nearby property owners may pay attention and could take issue with the proposed project.
The simplest means of producing geothermal electricity in Texas involves a system similar to what oil and gas companies use while fracking. By pumping water into the ground, it is possible to produce electricity because of the thermal energy absorbed by the soil. Unfortunately, experts do indicate that large-scale geothermal projects could potentially cause tremors in the earth.
As such, property owners proposing large-scale geothermal projects could face questions or even legal action initiated by their neighbors. Having accurate information about the potential impact of the proposed geothermal project could help assuage those concerns.
In some cases, disputes about geothermal projects might ultimately result in litigation. Those attempting to secure permits for geothermal projects or to explore their options for renewable energy production may need help with that process.
The right support may prove invaluable for those hoping to offset their energy expenses or develop a new stream of household income. Geothermal projects could be a worthwhile undertaking, but property owners may need help turning their idea of renewable geothermal energy into a real, energy-generating system.