Delaware is seventh in the nation when it comes to per capita cumulative solar installations.
That’s according to a report released Tuesday from the Environment America Research and Policy Center.
The report attributed cites innovative financing options for solar and strong public policies as some of the reasons for the rating.
Rob Underwood, the program administrator for the state’s Division of Energy and Climate, says Delaware’s leading role in solar power nationally is about a concerted effort to increase access to it, and not geography.
It’s really all about the leadership the governor has provided," said Underwood. "It’s about policy and programs, and not about location."
Underwood specifically cites a law that mandates utilities to acquire a percentage of their energy from renewable sources that helped to fuel the growth of the industry in the First State.
He adds Delaware’s leading role in solar is good for more than just the environment.
"An increase in solar in Delaware is great news because it’s good for our environment as well as our economy by creating jobs," said Underwood. "The future is very bright for solar in Delaware.
Since 2008, Delaware’s solar capacity has grown from two to 59 megawatts.