Top States For Solar Power

Photo: eSolar The states that are generating the most power from the sun are not always the sunniest. A mix of cheaper modules, incentives and tax credits are creating vibrant solar markets in states you wouldn’t expect. TheInterstate Renewable Energy Council ranked the states based on cumulative solar capacity as of 2008. Here are the top ten as well as some recent solar developments in each state. Posted Oct. 12, 2009»Read the Story

Photo: BusinessWire Capacity: 8 megawatts Constellation Energy is building a solar power system on the roofs of buildings at Patriot Place, the retail and dining area next to the New England Patriots’ Gillette Stadium. »Read the Story

Photo: SMA Solar Technology AG Capacity: 8 megawatts The capitol building in Salem, Ore. has solar panels on its roof. »Read the Story

Capacity: 9 megawatts Several schools in the state have installed solar panels on their roofs. »Read the Story

Capacity: 14 megawatts La Ola Solar Farm, the largest in the country, opened earlier this year. »Read the Story

Capacity: 22 megawatts Governor David Paterson announced Oct. 7, 2009 that $10 million in federal stimulus money was available to subsidize solar energy projects in the state. »Read the Story

Photo: Arizona Public Service Capacity: 25 megawatts Arizona Public Service is working on getting 280-megawatt plant, called Solana, built. The plant could power 70,000 homes. »Read the Story

Photo: ACCIONA Capacity: 34 megawatts Completed in 2007, ACCIONA’s Nevada Solar One can power more than 14,000 homes every year. »Read the Story

Capacity: 36 megawattsIn 2007, SunEdison opened a 8.22 megawatt photovoltaic array in Alamoso, Colo.»Read the Story

Photo: PSEG Capacity: 70 megawatts PSEG is installing 200,000 solar units on utility and light poles that will generate 40 megawatts of energy for the grid. »Read the Story

Photo: eSolar Capacity: 528 megawatts eSolar’s 10-acre, 5-megawatt Sierra SunTower was completed this year and is expected to power 4,000 homes in Southern California. »Read the Story