Solar Leaders
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
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10. Massachusetts
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.
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9. Oregon
Capacity: 8 megawatts
The capitol building in Salem, Ore. has solar panels on its roof.
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8. Connecticut
Capacity: 9 megawatts
Several schools in the state have installed solar panels on their roofs.
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7. Hawaii
Capacity: 14 megawatts
La Ola Solar Farm, the largest in the country, opened earlier this year.
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6. New York
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.
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5. Arizona
Capacity: 25 megawatts
Arizona Public Service is working on getting 280-megawatt plant, called Solana, built. The plant could power 70,000 homes.
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4. Nevada
Capacity: 34 megawatts
Completed in 2007, ACCIONA’s Nevada Solar One can power more than 14,000 homes every year.
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3. Colorado
Capacity: 36 megawatts
In 2007, SunEdison opened a 8.22 megawatt photovoltaic array in Alamoso, Colo.
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2. New Jersey
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.
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1. California
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.
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