Arizona is ranked second nationally
in solar installation.
In the last year, Arizona
installed more utility-scale solar technology than any other state, according
to the 2012 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report from the Solar Energy Industries
Association.
"One thing is for sure: Arizona has earned its
title as our nation's ‘Solar Capital,'" Gov. Jan Brewer said. "Thanks to our
pro-business policies, year-round sunshine and highly-trained workforce,
Arizona continues to climb as a national and global leader in solar
manufacturing and technology. Today's report is cause for celebration."
According to the annual SEIA
report, Arizona grew in photovoltaic system installations from 273 megawatts worth
of power installed in 2011 to 710 megawatts in 2012. Arizona bumped New Jersey to the number three slot, and California
continues to lead in solar production.
Solar installation rose by 76
percent across the nation in the last year. The United States has more than
300,000 operational PV systems, and the SEIA forecasts growth in 2013. Also,
the U.S. installed 11 percent of all global solar systems in 2012, which is the
country's highest market share in at least 15 years.
Currently, Arizona is working on
three huge utility-scale projects. Agua Caliente Solar, near Yuma, generates
250 megawatts. When completed in 2014, it will be the largest solar
photovoltaic project in the world at 290 megawatts.
The Mesquite Solar PV complex,
west of Phoenix, will generate 150 megawatts and may reach 700 megawatts.
Lastly, Solana Generating Station
near Gila Bend is expected to be completed in 2013. The 280-megawatt project
will be one of the world's largest concentrating solar power systems.
To view the full SEIA report,
visit: www.seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight-2012-year-review.
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