Seriously.
Our state is experiencing an unprecedented solar boom, with tens of thousands of homeowners and businesses slashing their utility bills and reducing their carbon footprints to zero.
Thanks to these investments, California is already on track to generate 33% of its electricity from clean power sources by 2020. And if current trends continue, that threshold might reach 50% by 2030.
California’s Solar Industry at a Glance
Below are some mind-blowing facts that highlight the tremendous progress we’ve made so far:
- In 2014 alone, the state literally doubled its solar capacity.
- We currently generate 5% of our state’s electricity – just from utility-scale solar installations. This doesn’t include residential or commercial PV. It also doesn’t include other renewable power sources like wind and geothermal.
- When you include residential and commercial solar, California generates 7% of its total electricity from pure sunshine.
- We produce so much solar energy that peak electricity demand is no longer during the day.
- California generates more solar energy than all other states combined.
- Our state is home to 5 of the 15 most active “solar cities” across the nation, including Los Angeles (#1), San Diego (#2), San Jose (#5), San Francisco (#11), and Sacramento (#14).
- California employs roughly 33% of America’s total solar workforce (about 54,000 employees).
- Solar employment in California grew by a whopping 16% in 2014, compared to only 2.2% for most other occupational fields.
California’s Solar Future Looks Even Brighter
The above stats represent past achievements. But looking forward, we could be in for some even bigger accomplishments. As the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) points out, our state already has the tools and resources to wean itself off of dirtier forms of energy:
- We have great incentives to help you go solar.
- Rising utility rates make the decision easier every day.
- Falling panel prices make that decision easier still.
According to new research, California has enough solar capacity to cover the state’s electricity needs 5 times over.
Many cities have committed to generating 100% of their power from clean energy sources. Borrego Springs is simply the first to reach this goal – and San Diego isn’t far behind.
Further fueling California’s solar push are things like:
- Falling solar battery prices. Not only can you capture solar power, but you can also store it for later.
- The rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Why fill up your tank with dirty gas when free sunshine can power all of your commutes?
- Community solar gardens. This one is huge. Some homes receive too much shading to go solar. And apartment dwellers usually can’t install PV panels on properties they don’t own. But with community solar gardens, you can buy your own slice of the solar energy pie – and still save money in the process.
When you factor all of the above together, it becomes clear that something truly amazing is happening. Californians are abandoning the outdated and wasteful utility model in favor of a new energy paradigm that offers nothing but economic and environmental benefits.
And there’s no reason why you can’t take part in the California solar revolution as well.
Going solar is easy. And it isn’t simply affordable – it actually saves you money (it’s true).
To learn how we can help you transition to a sun-powered lifestyle, contact us today for a free consultation.
