A Year Of Distributed Solar Growth

The State(s) of Distributed Solar — 2018 Update

Marie Donahue, 12 Mar 2019 (Institute for Local Self-Reliance)

“…[The expansion of New Energy in 2018] complements a growing number of states, utilities, and cities that have set ambitious goals to transition to 100 percent renewable and carbon-free power generation…New solar photovoltaic capacity, including from small-scale distributed solar systems (such as arrays on the rooftop of a home or business), shared community solar gardens, as well as larger utility-scale systems, has played a significant role in the overall transition…A growing number of states are making investments in solar a priority…[These investments help] build wealth locally and allow individuals and communities to take greater ownership over their energy future…

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As of 2018, 11 states now claim more than 1000 megawatts of total solar capacity, and 37 have more than 100 megawatts (states shown in yellow, orange, and red)…[Of the 11 states, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York] have shares of distributed generation greater than 50 percent…Burgeoning distributed solar markets in Midwestern states like Ohio and Illinois have also benefited from policies that support greater access and more local control of energy infrastructure…Unfortunately, [states that rely more heavily on larger and utility-scale solar systems do not] have policies in place that make it easy to invest in distributed and shared solar systems…[Larger scale solar projects require more capital upfront, more time to construct, and are typically left to investor-owned utilities to operate and manage…” click here for more

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