California Doubles Solar Power Installations in 2008

Californians installed 158 megawatts of solar power capacity in 2008, according to a state report released Wednesday. That’s double the amount installed in 2007.

California now has a total of 441 MW of solar power, the highest level of solar installations in the country, the California Public Utilities Commission reported.

>> Want cheap solar? Join the most effective community solar purchasing program in the US.

The commission attributes the rise in part to the California Solar Initiative,  a ratepayer-funded program that provides incentives for solar system installations. The initiative has a budget of $2.17 billion over 10 years, and wants to reach a solar capacity of 1,940 MW by the end of 2016. The commission says more than $5 billion of private money has been invested in solar installations because of the initiative.

The state’s high energy costs also make solar power an attractive alternative for many homeowners and business.

Whether the installations are inspired by the state incentives, community coalitions, or a higher authority, California remains a national leader in solar. The trend show no signs of stopping. The commission got a record number of applications for participation in the initiative in the fourth quarter of 2008, and expects another very strong year for installations despite the state of the economy.

Photo Credit: Solar Service Inc. of Illinois

Tweet This Post