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These Nine U.S. cities are at the forefront the nation’s solar upswing
Together, nine cites spread across the States are generating more solar power between them than the entire country did just a decade ago.
Frontier Group’s Shining cities 2022
Nine cities — Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Honolulu, San Antonio, New York, Phoenix, San Jose, and Albuquerque — now have the collective capacity to generate nearly 3.5 gigawatts of power through solar, more than the entire country did a decade ago, according to a newreport.
Los Angeles is leading the way with the most solar capacity of any city, but Honolulu has by far the most solar capacity per capita. Across the country, solar has been expanding rapidly, and the U.S. now has enough solar panels to generate 121.4 gigawatts of power, capable of powering more than 23 million homes. Scroll down for facts and photos — Grist
Frontier group’s policy recommendations
To take advantage of the nation’s vast solar energy potential and move America toward 100% renewable energy, research think-tank Frontier Group suggest city, state and federal governments should adopt a series of strong pro-solar policies.
FRONTIER GROUP’S POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Cities can most effectively promote solar power when local, state and utility policies work together. To take full advantage of cities’ solar energy potential – and move closer to a future of 100% renewable energy:
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SHOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS:
Set a goal and plan to use 100% renewable energy, and use online tools like SolarAPP+ to make the permitting process for solar installations easy, quick and affordable.
STATE GOVERNMENTS SHOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS:
Adopt and preserve strong net metering policies that support solar energy and expand opportunities for people to benefit from solar through rebate and financing programs, community solar and virtual net metering. States should also implement policies that support energy storage, EV charging and microgrids.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS:
Extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit, restore it to 30% and expand it to include battery storage installations. Federal investments should continue to support research to drive continued innovation in solar energy.
Download the full report – ‘Shining Cities 2022: The Top U.S. Cities for Solar Energy’ here.
It’s important to remember that in any market, the underlying power lies in the hands of consumers. Without our demand for gasoline in our vehicles, or coal-heated homes, fossil fuel companies wouldn’t be profitable or even viable. It’s time to take matters into our own hands. Here are 5 ways that you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels starting today.