California Solar Initiative

A solar energy boom is taking place in California’s organized electricity market. Nine solar energy projects have been proposed in the state, totaling 4,300 megawatts (MW) of solar power – a remarkable total considering the total installed solar power capacity of the entire country totaled just over 2,000 MW in 2009.
 

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Year in Review 2009 report detailed how despite the economic downturn installed solar power capacity climbed past 2,000 megawatts (MW), enough to power a city of 350,000 homes. The top two states in 2009 and cumulative installed capacity were states with competitive power markets.