The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that 2010 was "a banner year...with the industry’s total market value growing 67 percent from $3.6 billion in 2009 to $6.0 billion."
SEIA says "In total, 878 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 78 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) were installed in the U.S. in 2010."
However, when you look at what states are solar 'hot spots', you see California not unexpectedly leading the pack with 27% of the installed capacity and Florida at 12%. But coming in at #2 with 14% is New Jersey. New Jersey?!?! What's going on there? And Pennsylvania at 5%. Not your stereotypical sunbelt states.
Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado are all tied with 6%. Seems like we have room to grow, given our 350 days of sunshine per year. [right, installed solar capacity. Credit SEIA]
As a geologist who was born and raised in New Jersey, this news is a point of pride for me. If you're trying to shame your state and its sunbelt compatriots into action, I certainly think you could have done it with the straight facts and without the derogatory reference to "Joisey?!?!".
ReplyDeleteRon, my apologies to you and others who were offended. I meant it only in jest.
ReplyDeleteI actually lived in New Jersey as a toddler, went to Basic Training at Ft. Dix, and still have close family living in the state.
No harm, no foul. Thanks for updating the post!
ReplyDeleteWell that's a good thing! 2010 was a great year for solar power, I guess 2011 has no choice but to be better !
ReplyDeleteCecile
Lighten up, Ron.
ReplyDeleteAs of now, solar power and solar related devices are expensive. But it may be reduced if most of the people start using it. Let us see the future of solar power.
ReplyDeleteAnd, it seems Google is showing more interest in investing solar related
Projects
NJ solar panels for industrial locations with many flat roofs are famous apart from utility poles. Utility customers will fund New Jersey's $514 million program to double its solar capacity to 160 megawatts by 2013.
ReplyDeletesolar panels new jersey