Energy provider PearlX and smart energy technology company SolarEdge have partnered to develop a series of clean energy projects for Texas renters.

According to a release, the two companies will collaborate on a project called TexFlex, which aims to establish community solar and storage virtual power plants (VPPs), providing affordable and sustainable clean energy to local Texas communities.

"Mainstream solar and especially storage has traditionally been an amenity for the wealthy," Michael Huerta CEO of PearlX said, according to the release. "If you don't have good credit, you don't have access. Credit is the ability to repay. Electricity is the ability to live. Payment for electricity we believe is the highest form of credit. When you look at the data, electric bills are paid before rent, cell phone bills, even car payments."

The TexFlex project is scheduled to launch its first virtual power plant at the 2410 Waugh Apartments in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston during the first quarter of 2022. 

The project has various other installations planned across Texas, California and other US states throughout the year. Accepted tenants will gain access to solar and storage on-site

"Advances in solar and storage technologies are serving as the key enablers that helping to drive the new democratic and distributed energy economy in North America." said Peter Mathews, SolarEdge General Manager North America, according to the release. 

"Developments in software are providing the grid with much needed control to optimize the use of solar for different communities. This is making solar power more available and flexible, so that even renters can benefit from renewable energy."