California ranks 6th among the top 12 states in per-capita installations of solar electric energy generators. Solar power is expanding rapidly, with solar voltaic panel capacity 10 times greater than what it was in 2007. California leads in cumulative solar-electric installations with 2,900 megawatts. Michelle Kinman, a clean energy advocate for Environment California, said "California's progress should make us confident that we can do much more." The report also said that solar power plays an important role in helping California meet a target that it generate 1/3 of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
I think this is a good way to go. California is stepping up their production of solar electricity generators. I think it's cool that they are leading by example and I like how they set high goals for themselves, such as using solar energy to generate 1/3 of its electricity by 2020. The only thing I don't understand is why the states producing more solar energy than others random? The top producers are pretty spread out across the U.S. instead of one region producing more than others. Why aren't all 50 states on the same page when it comes to producing solar electricity?
The problem with the solar energy right now is that it costs so much money in order to set up a large enough operation that is capable of paying for itself in the future. Many of the small businesses don't have that kind of capital just lying around especially in the wake of the recession. I can't say that anyone doesn't want to help the environment but at the moment the costs are just too high for small business owners.
ReplyDeleteSolar is so expensive. It takes either tremendous incentive or a lot of public push in order for any business to go solar. The business usually isn't willing to spend that ugh money on something unless they know it is going to save them a huge sum of money right away, OR it brings great public opinion to them and generates revenue. In the end money talks.
ReplyDeleteI believe that we should invest in solar energy to continue to make ourselves energy independent. It's also better for the environment. Hopefully more tax credits will come out as incentives for people buying solar panels.
ReplyDeleteSolar is a challenge to get to work well for many individuals and businesses. The technology costs a lot and is not overly efficient. It takes a huge area of solar panels to make enough usable energy.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with solar electricity is the cost needed to produce these solar plants. Considering our current stage in the economy, not all 50 states have anywhere close to enough money to spend on solar plants. However, solar energy is definitely a long run opportunity. The sun hold so much energy that we aren't capturing. This could be the beginning to a "greener" world.
ReplyDeleteYeah, in regards to why the big spread, I think it depends a lot upon available monetary resources, as well as political initiative. If a state has a strong green movement, the likelihood that solar will get a bigger push greatly increases.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the reason why all 50 states don't all have similar levels of solar production is because of weather patterns. If you think about it, Southern California sees a whole lot more sun then areas like Seattle. Also, I believe the state of California provides more incentives for citizens to install solar panels through tax subsidies.
ReplyDeleteI think there should be more investment in developing the technologies behind solar, rather than simply subsidizing its use. Cost and efficiency need to improve to make it economically viable to adopt.
ReplyDeleteI am a proponent of alternative energy, and this article shows that states really are trying, which I like. However, I agree with Mr. Rothenberger in that they should do more research in terms of making solar and other energy options cheaper and more reliable. Right now, they are in their infant stages of development, and I think they can be taken to much greater heights and, who knows, maybe replace gasoline in the future? One can only hope.
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