Why These States Have High Solar Capacity Installed

Today, solar energy is becoming the nation’s fastest growing energy source. Unfortunately, not all states are embracing solar energy at the same rate; some have a much higher solar capacity installed. It is easier and less expensive to convert to solar energy in twelve of the United States. Below is an overview of the growth of solar energy and the twelve states that can take advantage of it.

Solar Energy’s Growth

Image via Flickr by Mountain/\Ash

The Environment America Research & Policy Center conducted a study to better assess the U.S’ current solar energy statistics. Each state is evaluated by various factors including:

• Clear renewable electricity standards
• Strong statewide interconnection policies
• Strong net metering policies
• Accommodation for creative financing options

The following 12 states produce 87 percent of the nation’s solar energy. However, they only include 26 percent of the U.S. population. According to Forbes, solar energy only produces 0.45 percent of energy in the U.S., but the SEIA believes that by 2030, at least 10 percent of all the country’s energy will be solar energy. These states are leading the way.

Maryland

For states like Maryland, solar energy is on the rise because solar panels’ cost have decreased twice since 2012. The state currently has 1,410 times more solar energy than it did in 2007. Since 2007, more than 2,000 panels have been installed. The state has a goal to reach 20 percent solar energy by 2022 and reduce current energy consumption by 15 percent per capita this year.

North Carolina

North Carolina is the only southeastern state to fully embrace solar energy. Over 43,000 homes use solar energy. That is more than all the other southern states combined. However, North Carolina does not have any metering policies.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts set a goal to reach 250 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2016. They are on target to hit their mark. Massachusetts is also making an effort to adopt renewable heating. The state is also reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. Over 900 plants have gone offline.

Nevada

Nevada has always taken a gamble on green energy. They are number one in solar jobs per capita. Nevada has replaced 553 MW produced by fossil fuels with renewable energy and natural gas. The state is also carrying out a wind project to help increase its dependence on renewable energy.

Hawaii

Hawaii has 243 watts of solar capacity per capita. One in eight residents have solar panels installed. The state also offers incentives for installation.

New Jersey

The New Jersey legislation is supporting the state’s venture into solar energy. In the future, the state wants solar energy in homes, schools, business, and government facilities. By 2028, 4.1 percent of the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) should be carved out.

Delaware

The demand for clean energy sources is high in Delaware. Delaware is currently at 82 watts per capita.

New Mexico

New Mexico is new to the solar energy campaign. However, the state has doubled the amount of solar panels installed before 2013.

Arizona

Arizona uses solar energy for a large number of its utility-scale projects. Currently, the state has 167 watts solar energy capacity per resident. The state has shown their commitment to solar energy by giving residents and business incentives for installing solar panels. However, the Arizona Corporation Commission has voted to end those incentives.

Vermont

Vermont is pushing for more residential solar energy. The state has become active in the net metering debate. They have solar permitting rules, but no official RPS policy. However, they do have a goal of 20 percent renewable energy by the year 2017.

Colorado

Colorado has placed limitations on what local governments permit as fees for solar energy installations.

California

Solar energy is rapidly growing in California. In 2014, the people of California installed more solar panels than the entire country has done in the last forty years. Solar energy currently powers over one million California homes.

Many states are acknowledging the benefits of solar energy by passing laws to help make the progression easier. Today, there are only twelve states that are making a huge impact. Maybe tomorrow there will be more.

Image via Flickr by Mountain/\Ash