California solar power up 1,378% in 5 years

California increased its solar power generation by 1,378% between 2009 to 2014, according to Next 10’s California Green Innovation Index.

The not-for-profit group Next10 provides tools and information focusing on innovation, economy and environmental issues in the state of California.

F. Noel Perry, founder of Next 10, said: “As the sixth largest economy in the world and an innovator in climate and energy policy, California is forging a decoupling between economic growth and carbon emissions per-capita.”

Mr Perry added: “California is not only the fourth-most energy productive economy in the world, the state also leads in key clean tech indicators, like clean tech patents and investment. Much of the rest of the nation is following our lead.”

California not only increase its generation of solar power, but one fourth of its retail electricity sales now comes from renewable energy, as well as 20.1 per cent of the state’s electricity, with an increase of 12 per cent compared to 2009.

The number of zero emission vehicles has also increased by 244 per cent in two years demonstrating “major market disruption as clean energy technology hotspots take root across California, and not just in traditional innovation hubs”, according to Next10.

Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, which compiled the Index for Next 10 said: “California is a global leader when it comes to expanding its economy without increasing per capita emissions—this trend represents a shift from old growth models.”

The report also notes that the greenhouse gas emissions of the state fell by 62 per cent in 2014; the solar residential installed capacity increased by 65 per cent in 2015 and the average monthly residential electricity bills was 20 per cent lower than the US average thanks to higher energy efficiency.

The state also invested $9.8 billion in clean tech in 2015 which represents 68 per cent of the US total.

Perry said: “California’s increasing energy productivity and renewable energy growth are not accidents... They can be tied to policies, from the landmark AB 32 climate and clean energy law to last year’s SB 350. This year’s Green Innovation Index shows how you can trace progress on clean energy and climate from innovations in California’s metro areas to policies to commitments made by governments around the world.”

See the full report here