Nov 26 2010
Citing new statistical information released by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), John Hanger, Secretary for Environmental Protection of the State of Pennsylvania, said that the state is one among the top three in implementing clean renewable solar energy.
The latest survey of NREL, on open solar photovoltaic implementation all over the USA, indicates that Pennsylvania stands third in having a total number of operating solar projects and fourth in installed capability. The report indicates that with 2434 projects the state rallies behind California and New Jersey and generates a total 38.5 MW power to provide electricity to 5,800 average US homes.
Hanger mentioned, that the information in the survey banks on voluntarily provided details and the state has more than 3,000 projects functioning all over the state with a capability to generate more than 40 MW solar power. He recalled the assurance given by Governor Rendell to make Pennsylvania a leading solar state when he took over the office. The Secretary recollected how the portfolio standards law passed by the state in 2004 drew a number of top clean energy companies from all over the world to start their business in the state and how it enabled a number of small entrepreneurs and businesses to enter into solar energy business. He mentioned that the initiatives of the state in making needed investments in solar industry have enabled a number of projects to become viable to commence their production.
According to the Secretary, currently the state of Pennsylvania has around 600 solar companies and over 130 MW of solar projects in the channel which are anticipated to get into stream by the end of 2011. The state has over 6,700 solar jobs and standing next only to California in the number of generated job opportunities. He mentioned that the state could achieve its growth due to active solar participation from small business enterprises and home owners who want to use solar power in place fossil fuel generated electricity.