California Reaches One Gigawatt of Solar Power

Environment California, a California based renewable energy advocacy group reports that the state of California has hit it's goal of 1 gigawatt of rooftop solar installations. That's 1000 megawatts of solar panels which is the rough equivalent of two coal-fired plants and produces enough energy to charge up 750,000 homes across the state.

“Getting to one gigawatt is a fantastic marker of the momentum towards California's clean energy future,” said Danny Kennedy, President of Sungevity, who hosted today’s event. “Riding the exponential curve of growth, which is akin to the mass adoption of cell phones or satellite TVs, will create many more good jobs and great opportunity for the Golden State.”

"With the Million Solar Roofs program, California made a strategic decision to invest in real solar market transformation—to lay the groundwork for significant cost reduction and the long-term growth of a new industry,” reflected Adam Browning, Executive Director of Vote Solar. “Now at the program's halfway point we see that investment delivering on its promise.”

In 2011 alone - 205 megawatts of solar power was installed much of it fueled by the California Solar Initiative which provided $3 billion in state incentives.

The report also pointed out that 20% of all U.S. solar power companies operate out of California. That's 3,500 solar businesses that employ over 25,000 people. The installation industry has doubled since 2007 providing jobs for individuals who have trained to be a part of the organic growth.

California Solar Industries Association Executive Director Mignon Marks said more than 100,000 solar rooftop systems have been installed since the Million Solar Roofs program began.

Marks noted “We’re thrilled that our members have benefited from this program, yet our focus remains building the market for the long term.”

More details at San Francisco Chronicle.