Despite the recession and a deep budget crisis, California is adding solar capacity at a blistering pace this year.
Solar generating capacity in the state is estimated to rise slightly more than 120 percent compared with a 27 percent decline for the world as a whole.
The world market is expected to rebound next year and grow 54 percent, according to iSuppli. But even then, California will outperform, with statewide capacity expanding 68 percent.
The state is benefiting from the stimulus bill – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – and the Solar Investment Tax Credit, which offers 30 percent rebates on installation costs.
So who is the solar leader? This year Germany is expected to install 1.5 GW of solar and Italy 580 MW. California will put in 350 MW, the most of any state. The rest of the U.S. will install 132 MW, iSuppli says.
Interesting facts. Thanks for the article!