Dream of Solar-electrification
By Katherine Gustafson |
Thursday, July 16, 2009 7:39 PM ET
We all know California is the leader in green. But did you know that the state now possesses two-thirds of the nation's solar capacity? In just ten years, the New York Times reports, the number of solar power installations there has grown from from 500 in 1999 to 50,000 now.
At certain times in the early afternoon, Cali can produce as much energy as a major power plant — over 500 megawatts. That only covers about one quarter of one percent the state's energy needs, but it is still a lot more progress than other states have made.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers said it best: "It's the edge of the world / And all of western civilization. / The sun may rise in the East / At least it settles in the final location." As the globe heats up and the rest of us can't keep up with the solar advancements of the Golden State, we're all dreaming of Californication now.
Katherine Gustafson is a freelance writer and editor with a background as a professional fundraiser, journal editor, document developer, and project administrator for international nonprofit organizations.