State 3rd Nationally in Solar Production, Expected to Climb Rankings in 2012
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today announced that Arizona ranks third in the nation in terms of solar system installation, according to the 2011 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
More impressive, Arizona’s energy production from photovoltaic systems jumped from 63 to 273 megawatts between 2010 and 2011 – a tremendous 333 percent rate of growth. Arizona now trails only California and New Jersey in terms of solar megawatt production, and the SEIA report projects Arizona will jump into 2nd place nationally this year.
“This report illustrates why Arizona has earned the title of ‘Solar King,’” said Governor Brewer. “With our abundant sunshine, renewable-energy tax incentives and trained workforce, it’s no surprise solar energy production is soaring in Arizona.”
Nationally, energy production from photovoltaic installations grew 109 percent in 2011, according to the SEIA report. Growth was found in every market segment (residential, non-residential and utility), and project finance investments reached an all-time high. In total, $8.4 billion worth of photovoltaic systems were installed in the United States last year alone.
Solar energy is not only a clean fuel that reduces our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, it also creates quality jobs for Arizonans. The state ranked 3rd nationally in 2011 with nearly 4,800 jobs in the solar energy field, according to the National Solar Jobs Census, issued in October by The Solar Foundation.
Since 2010, nine renewable-energy companies have located or expanded operations in Arizona – creating more than 2,100 jobs and investing more than $1 billion in capital.
To view the 2011 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report, visit: www.seia.org/cs/research/solarinsight
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This is somewhat misleading, and I can forgive Ms Brewer for failing to note this subtle difference that many in the real energy production sector are aware of…
The statement, “… Arizona’s energy production from photovoltaic systems jumped from 63 to 273 megawatts between 2010 and 2011″
Note the two words “energy production”. That is the fallacy. What is correct would be “installed capacity” or, what might be available at the peak production on a 100% sunny day.
Here’s what would be honest, “available capacity” or that which we can count on with 100% reliability.
Installed capacity and Available capacity are quite different. So, in a slight of hand the solar industry elects the phrase “energy production”.
So using what you state are more “correct” terms, how much of an increase has there been in “installed capcity” and “available capacity” of photvoltaic systems in Arizona between 2010 and 2011?
Installed capacity is just what this article touts. So now we have installed 263Mw of solar energy. The question is, What’s its availability? Solar isn’t there at the flip of a switch and solar PV efficiency is still under 30% rendering the availability of 263Mw installed the equivalent of maybe 65Mw. About enough to power 40,000 homes and related neighborhood retail. (when the sun is shining).
How much land area is necessary for this wonder of clean energy? How many acres? How many jobs are required to keep this system operating once its installed?
Solar is a miserable technology in terms of energy efficiency, cost per kwh, land use, and employment post mfg and installation. Spain, once the worlds leader in solar has cancelled all government subsidies for solar energy for these reasons… that and its cost.
Yes and we SUBSIDIZE it. When you subdize something you get more of something at a HIGHER PRICE than you would otherwise have in a free market when you do not subsidize it.
So, what’s the good news?