Understanding Alternative Energy: Wind and Solar Energy Systems on Texas Rangelands
- Type
- Publication
- Date of Publication
- January 21, 2026
- Price
- See Agrilife Learn
Overview
Publication Information
Texas has more installed wind and solar capacity than any other state, and new projects continue to move into rural areas. These developments often involve long-term agreements that shape land use for decades.
This guide explains how wind and solar energy systems affect rangeland soils, plants, wildlife, and day-to-day management. It helps landowners ask better questions before entering energy development agreements.
What You'll Learn
- How wind and solar systems function: What infrastructure is installed and how it fits within rangeland use
- Where impacts are most likely: How construction and infrastructure disturb rangelands
- Wildlife and habitat changes: How development can affect movement and habitat quality
- Long-term land use effects: How energy projects influence grazing, access, and restoration
Download this free publication to evaluate alternative energy options with greater confidence.
Looking for solutions in your county? Contact your local extension experts
More choices in Business & Community
- Course
New to beef cattle production? This free, self-paced Beginning Beef Cattle Operations course provides a practical introduction to managing a beef cattle operation. Get step-by-step guidance on planning and managing a small-to-medium herd, from facilities and genetics to grazing and marketing. Designed for new and beginning producers, it helps you create a 1–3 year operation plan that fits your goals and resources. Enroll today!
- Course
Learn resilience planning strategies for Texas communities. This 30-minute course helps planners and officials prepare for flooding, improve infrastructure, and support hazard resiliency. Enroll today!
- Course
Explore introductory farm and ranch concepts, business planning basics, and best practices to overcoming barriers to success. Farmers and ranchers will discover valuable training programs and funding resources in this BattleGround to Breaking Ground online course!
- Course
This course is designed to help supervisors and managers understand key components of personnel management. Topics examined include employer/employee communication, personnel policies, legal concerns, and best practices related to hiring, performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, and termination. (TDLR #32209)
- Course
Employers and supervisors are tasked with keeping their organizations in compliance with employment laws. Designed for the general public, this course provides an overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and sexual harassment. (TDLR #32206)
- Course
Learn how law and policy shape city planning. This 30-minute course examines how planning shapes communities, the evolution of the profession, and the Supreme Court rulings that defined zoning authority. Enroll today!