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The Top 8 Cities for Solar in the United States
The United States is a great place for solar energy because of its size and abundance of sunlight. Solar energy is one of the most renewable and sustainable sources of energy available. As technology advances, it also becomes more and more inexpensive.
You might be wondering where the ideal location is if you’re considering making the switch to solar electricity. Here are the top eight cities for solar in the United States, based on factors like average sun hours, average solar insolation, and state incentives.
Top 8 Cities for Solar in the United States
#1 – Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has an average of 3,852 hours of sunshine each year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the country.
Solar insolation—the amount of solar radiation that hits a given area—is also high in Phoenix, at 6.23-kilowatt hours per square meter per day.
Arizona also has great incentives for solar power, including a Renewable Energy Standard that requires utilities to get 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. There’s also a generous state tax credit for solar installations.
#2 – Tuscon, Arizona
Tuscon is another sunny city in Arizona, with an average of 3,764 sun hours per year. Solar insolation is slightly lower than in Phoenix, at 5.78-kilowatt hours per square meter per day.
However, Tuscon’s higher elevation means less air pollution, which can improve the efficiency of solar panels. And like Phoenix, Tuscon has great incentives for solar power thanks to the state’s Renewable Energy Standard and tax credit program.
#3 – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year on average, making it one of the sunniest cities in the country.
Solar insolation is also high here, at 6.21-kilowatt hours per square meter per day. In addition to great sunshine and high solar insolation levels, Albuquerque has good incentives for solar power thanks to a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires utilities to get 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
There’s also a property tax exemption for solar installations valued at $6,000 or less.
#4 – Denver, Colorado
Denver gets an average of 300 sunny days per year and has high solar insolation levels at 5.83-kilowatt hours per square meter per day.
Colorado also has great incentives for solar power thanks to a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires utilities to get 30% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020—one of the most aggressive standards in the country.
There’s also a generous state tax credit for solar installations worth up to $10,000 or 30% of the system cost (whichever is less).
#5 – Las Vegas Nevada
Las Vegas gets plenty of sunshine—an average of 4,099 hours per year—and high solar insolation levels at 6.21-kilowatt hours per square meter per day.
Nevada also has great incentives for solar power thanks to a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires utilities to get 25% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025—one of the most aggressive standards in the country.
There’s also a generous state tax credit for solar installations worth up to $12,500 or 35% of the system cost (whichever is less).
#6 – San Diego California
San Diego enjoys an average of 2,256 sunny days each year, as well as high levels of solar insolation at 6 kWh/m2/day, making this city ideal for harnessing energy from the sun’s rays!
Incentives offered by California make going solar even more attractive with programs such as net metering, which allows homeowners to send any excess electricity generated back into the grid, earning them bill credits!
#7 – Honolulu Hawaii
Although it doesn’t get quite as much sunlight as some other parts of the country—an average of 2139 sunny hours each year—Honolulu makes up for it with high levels of solar insolation at 6 kWh/m2/day! And because Hawaii relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, Honolulu residents support renewable energy initiatives!
This city boasts one very generous rebate, which will cover 35%of your total system cost or $5000, whichever is less!
#8 – Salt Lake City Utah
With an annual average temperature above freezing and plenty of bright sunny days, this city is ideal for utilizing solar PV systems!
Although Salt Lake City only averages about 1719 sunny hours/year, it makes up for this with high solar insolation levels at around 5 57 kWh/m2/day. With strong support from local utility companies as well as multiple incentive programs available, this city makes going green easy and affordable!
Conclusion:
These are just some examples of why these eight cities are leading America’s charge toward sustainability through widespread adoption rates. Of course, many other places across our beautiful country would be suitable, but these locations tend to have all the right conditions necessary.
A state going solar has a lot of benefits. Solar panels don’t produce air pollution or carbon dioxide emissions. They also don’t use water to generate electricity. Solar panels can last up to 30 years with little maintenance.
They also don’t produce noise pollution. Solar power is renewable and sustainable. It’s a clean energy source that doesn’t pollute the environment. Solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days.
Solar panels are also now more inexpensive than ever, thanks to a steady decline in price over the past few years. Going solar is an excellent way for a state to reduce its carbon footprint, save money, and create jobs.
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular to generate electricity, but it can still be quite expensive. The initial cost of solar panels and other equipment can be high, but there are a number of ways to reduce this cost. Many governments and utility companies offer incentives for going solar, including tax breaks and rebates.
While going solar may require a significant upfront investment, it can ultimately save money on electric bills and help to protect the environment. Additionally, solar power can provide a hedge against future electricity rate hikes. For all these reasons, going solar is an increasingly attractive option for those looking for an alternative to traditional forms of energy.
Keep these key considerations in mind for overall success when it’s time for you to make the switch: plenty of sunlight, access to water, and no trees or buildings that cause shade. Lastly, verify the incentives offered by your state or local utility because they may vary.