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Getting in the ‘Zona
January 9th, 2007 No CommentsReport: Ariz. ripe for solar energy
Mark Shaffer
The Arizona Republic
January 9, 2007The state’s solar-energy producers could generate 1,000 megawatts of power and create 3,000 jobs by 2020, according to the first solar-electric study prepared for the Arizona Department of Commerce.
The report, released Monday, also envisions a world-class solar research and development center for the state, which it says “has the best solar resources in the nation.”
Read the full article here.
Many of our leaders have promised to make 2007 the year that we get serious about climate change and invest in renewable energy. Just a week into this new year and encouraging articles like this one will help make that promise a reality. Solar means great jobs, reliable energy, and relief for the rickety grid. A comprehensive net metering plan, like the one Arizona’s snowy neighbor Colorado has, would give a kick start to the industry. Solar grows more than just plants
+Solar power will not only meet the needs of our nation’s economy – it will help it grow. A University of California study shows that solar generation can create more than ten-times the amount of jobs than non-renewable energy sources per megawatt hour.
+The cost of producing solar panels, in constant dollars, has fallen from as much as $50 per peak watt in 1980 to as little as $3 per peak watt today.
+Solar is already saving money for Californians. San Diego’s plan to install solar panels on several city facilities will save the city $700,000 in energy costs.
Arizona has sun? Really?
+Arizona’s neighbor, Colorado, is known more for its snow than for its sun. In fact in 2004 it was one of the worst states in the country for net metering. But in 2004 voters decided to make a change. Colorado is now one of the best states in the union when it comes to state net metering programs, and continues to attract new business and innovative solar programs.
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