Delaware ranks among the top 12 states in making the most of a sunny day. That’s according to a report by the Environment America Research & Policy Center, which looked at per capital solar energy production.
The report, which also outlines legislation and policies that have led to increases in the renewable energy nationwide, ranks Delaware seventh in the nation, generating 69 watts per person, nearly half of the nation’s solar leader, Arizona.
Governor Jack Markell (D) says the ranking is a testament to the state’s innovative legislation and aggressive renewable energy policies.
“Our solar installations can be found in all corners of the state. That means on homes, like the one I’m calling from, as well as my private home, small businesses schools, municipal buildings in small towns and larger cities and in large solar parks," said Markell. "In fact, there are nearly 1,500 systems across our state.”
The study also found the ranked states, representing 12 percent of the population, currently account for 85 percent U.S. solar capacity.
Markell says since 2008, Delaware has increased its solar production by 25-fold, surging from just two megawatts to 50 megawatts today.
“In Delaware sunlight is variable, but solar energy can still provide a significant contribution to meeting our demand for electricity especially on peak demand days," said Markell. "We are working very aggressively toward a clean energy future and demonstrating that we can have a strong economy and a healthy environment simultaneously.”
Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires 25 percent of the state’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2025. At least 3 and half percent of that must be generated by solar power.
