At-a-Glance:
CleanTechnica has developed a new report on the top solar power states per capita, by comparing the results from the first half of 2020 with the results from 2012. Also note that this report does not include all 50 states, unlike the previous one, because the data back in 2012 didn’t include all 50 states. It just included the top 25 states in terms of overall solar power capacity. For the full 2020 ranking, see this report. To learn more, read “Top Solar States Per Capita 2012 vs. 2020 — CleanTechnica Report.”
Key Takeaways:
- Two things to note in the two charts. First, how much solar power capacity per capita has increased in each of these states. Secondly, how the rankings have shifted around.
- Nevada rose from #3 in 2012 to #1 in 2020
- California rose from #6 in 2012 to #3 in 2020
- North Carolina rose from #11 in 2012 to #5 in 2020
- The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has some interesting “quick facts” on each state in the country. Below are a few comparative highlights:
- California-first in the nation
- Total Solar Investment in State: $68,148.93 million.
- Solar Companies in State: 2,006
- North Carolina-second in the nation
- Total Solar Investment in State: $8,999.31 million.
- Solar Companies in State: 216
- Arizona-fifth in the nation
- Total Solar Investment in State: $12,772.41 million.
- Solar Companies in State: 307
- California-first in the nation
- North Carolina jumped up the charts from #7 to #2. New Jersey had almost the opposite result, dropping from #3 to #7.
Path to 100% Perspective:
These future power systems will need four cornerstones to maintain reliable power in the clean power system of the future. The “Generation Cornerstone” is foundational to a 100% renewable future when wind and solar farms will generate most electricity. The “Constant Balance Cornerstone” keeps power flows on the grid balanced, minute by minute by collecting excess power in short-term battery-style energy storage with typical durations of one hour or less that continuously charge and discharge as needed to supply constant, reliable power. The “Daily Shift Cornerstone” ensures the lights stay on by shifting overbuilt renewable power during the day to meet load and charge storage, and discharging that stored energy at other times of the day when it’s needed. The “Reliability Cornerstone” ensures system reliability by using flexible generation to make up the difference.
Photo by Chelsea on Unsplash