Solar Shines Brightly in California

Solar panels in California

Is it any wonder that the home of the Silicon Valley, known as the Golden State, is arguably the solar capital of the nation?  With California holding 38% of all American solar energy patent registrations, and with solar panel installations doubling each year for the past two years, its clear that solar shines brightly in California.

Its true that silicon is a component in photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.  Yet, that alone is not the reason California boasts such a fast-growing demand for renewable energy options.  Whether you want to credit the ample sunshine, or entrepreneurial spirit of the people who live in California, its clear that a clean, green lifestyle is broadly accepted on the West Coast.  Solar in California is popular and growing!

Governor Schwarzenegger has promoted the Million Solar Roofs program since 2006, which includes a plan to reduce emissions to 1990 levels – the equivalent of a 4-ton CO2 emission reduction per person!  California solar panels have increased from 500 to over 50,000 in less than a decade.

And now, the California Solar Initiative (or CSI) has launched, providing over $2 million in state rebates and other incentives for those that install solar:

The program is so impressive, we had to include a second video with more information on the California Solar Initiative.

California rooftop solar panels

Sales of solar panels have doubled in California since 2006 (no wonder solar panel installations have also doubled each year in the past two years).  And consider this:  nationwide, solar energy accounts for a mere 1% of generated electricity.  But since solar shines so brightly in California, that figure is considerably higher.

According to a related post, solar in California is particularly hot in San Diego (over 2,200 solar rooftops), Nevada City (leading per capita solar installations) and City of Industry (most capacity per capita – 1.5 kW per person installed).

Things are really happening in the Golden State with respect to solar energy.  Earlier this month, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed two new solar bills to further boost solar incentives.  The California Solar Surplus Act of 2009 requires utilities to pay consumers for “excess” solar electricity generated beyond their individual needs.  And, Senate Bill 32, now establishes a “feed-in” tariff, which mandates utilities to buy solar-generated electricity at a set rate over 20 years.

Finally, Gov. Schwarzenegger recently announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Interior that may accelerate siting of solar energy projects.  Working with the federal government, California will develop maps that identify the best areas for renewable energy development.

With such great support from the government and additional state incentives, California is expected to continue to be a solar energy leader.

When will other states follow its lead?  What do you think?

Tags: california solar energy, california solar initiative, million solar roofs, solar california, sunpower corporation