Ramping up solar power in Texas could create new jobs in the state, help energy prices and eliminate pollutants that add to global warming, several nonprofit groups said Monday.

As many as 22,000 manufacturing and installation jobs would be created if Texas were to build a utility-scaled solar program and to expand incentives for smaller-scale programs to put solar panels on houses, schools and businesses across the state, according to a report by Public Citizen, Environment Texas and Vote Solar.

To get to a higher level of solar development, “We are announcing a massive push to develop solar energy in the state of Texas,” said David Power, deputy director of Public Citizen's Texas office.

Texas should strive to duplicate its ranking as the nation's No. 1 generator of wind-generated electricity to become first in solar power, he said.

As a means of reaching that goal, Public Citizen, along with several local elected officials and environmental groups, said its first priority in the next few months will be pushing legislation that encourages expansion of solar energy. About 18 bills have been introduced so far in the Legislature that would help expand use of solar-generated electricity.

One bill requires Texas utilities to develop 2,000 megawatts of solar power by offering incentives to customers. If passed, such a measure could mean solar panels would be installed on 500,000 rooftops in Texas, the report said.

Another bill that deserves support, Power said, prohibits homeowners associations from blocking the installation of solar panels in their neighborhoods.

“The reality is that Texas has always had more solar than it has oil,” Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson said. “I hope for the day when we can be the renewable energy Spindletop here in Texas.”

The solar advocates released their report at the Pearl Brewery, where owner Silver Ventures is installing a 200-kilowatt solar plant, in partnership with San Antonio-owned CPS Energy.