A state known for its blend of food, drinks, and cultures, Louisiana is slowly making a name for itself in the world of solar. Large scale solar projects are being implemented in ‘The Pelican State’ and word of new initiatives are on the horizon in Baton Rouge. Within the next 50 years, solar technology’s clean, affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly process has the ability to become one of the most popular energy sources for American families and businesses. Perhaps it’s something to think about while you’re wondering just where the electricity to blend your Mardi Gras drink came from.
A majority of the jobs in the Louisiana solar industry are located in New Orleans.
There is enough solar power in the state to power over 7,000 homes and six schools.
The Illinois renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requires that the state generates 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.
There are over 3,500 solar jobs supporting families in Illinois thanks to the solar industry according to The Solar Foundation.
The Future Energy Jobs Act calls for the installation of roughly 2,700 MW of solar by 2030, more than 30 times the state’s current solar capacity.
There are over 270 solar companies in the state of Georgia providing energy consumers with renewable energy sources.
First Solar is slated to begin work on building the largest solar power plant in the southeast, a 200 MW project near Warner Robins, Georgia.
18 miles of highway in Georgia is said to be the world’s first sustainable highway project. The I-85 visitor center in West Point has a solar-powered charging station, a solar paved roadway, and a tire pressure system to improve road safety.
The Sunshine State ranks 5th among the state for highest amount of solar jobs.
More than 8,500 people support their families in Florida thanks to the solar industry.
This year, Florida Power and Light plans to install 2.5 million panels at eight new solar energy centers located around the state.
Florida holds 10th in state rankings for installed solar capacity.
According to The Solar Foundation, the Connecticut Green Bank’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program has closed on more than 200 solar projects. This represents more than $114 million in solar and energy efficiency upgrades for the state’s businesses.
24% of the state’s energy comes from solar.
Prices on solar in Connecticut have fallen 53% in the last five years.
Colorado ranks 12th in the nation for most installed solar capacity and 9th for most amount of solar industry jobs.
According to The Solar Foundation, Colorado generates enough solar to power nearly 200,000 homes and 104 K-12 schools.
The majority of solar related jobs in the state are available in the ‘Mile High City’, Denver.
Over the past five years, the price for solar installations in California has declined by 64%.
California holds 1st place for state with the most solar jobs. There are over 86,000 people supporting themselves and their families thanks to the solar industry.
On March 4th, 2018, the peak percentage of solar energy on California’s grid hit an all-time record of 50%.
There is enough solar in California to power over 5.5 million homes.
Before work began on the ‘Stuttgart Solar Energy Center’, there were only 284 people working in the solar industry in Arkansas. That number doubled thanks to construction efforts necessary to build the center.
Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, has a goal of supplying 100% of its power from solar and other renewables by 2025 according to The Solar Foundation.
According to the Solar Foundation, Arizona saw an increase of 14% solar growth in 2017.
The Grand Canyon State has nearly 8,400 solar jobs, creating a source of income for families.
Third-party solar power purchase agreements are not legal in Arizona. This means the installation cost is a bit higher, yet Arizona still ranks third in the nation for solar.
