Analysts are pointing to a strong year for the U.S. solar industry in 2010.
According to industry advocates, the combination of government legislation and incentives, fresh flowing bank credit, and the falling price of photovoltaic solar cells will contribute to a stellar year for solar power in the U.S. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council is estimating between 500-600 megawatts of solar energy will be installed this year--more than double 2009's numbers. Other analysts are projecting even higher numbers.
Among the states, California is expected to maintain first place, with New Jersey in second place, and Florida making a huge push for the first time. The west coast of America is looking particularly primed for growth. For instance, California has passed a renewable energy portfolio standard that requires the state to generate 20 percent of its power from renewable sources this year. Last year, the ratio was 13 percent.
Meanwhile, state programs are being propped up by national programs such as the $2.3 billion clean energy tax incentive program recently announced by President Obama.
Excitement for 2010 is building, as Adam Browning, executive director of the Vote Solar Initiative, highlighted when he was speaking about California: “2010 marks the date we start absolutely blanketing the state with solar. This year you’re going to see the culmination of a lot of policy work over the years."
Read the full story at the New York Times: Solar Power Advocates Hopeful for 2010
Image courtesy of Flickr
Nathanael Baker is the Managing Editor of EnergyBoom. He has researched and reported on the issues of renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change for over two years. He has provided research to the New York Times and The Economist, as well as being published on different media outlets including, The Energy Collective.
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