California
is becoming known for its solar power, and this winter the state set a new
record in solar power generation during not only the winter months – but during
the shortest day of the year.
Winter
days deliver about four fewer hours of daylight in California when compared to the
summer days, but that’s not stopping the state from setting peak solar power
generation records.
In
August of last year, California passed the milestone of 1,029 megawatts (MW) of
solar power production. To the surprise of many citizens in California and
around the world, the state nearly reached that peak August generation level
during the week of the Winter Solstice, which is the least-sunny time of the
year, setting a new winter solar power generation record.
On
December 19, solar power generation reached between 950 to 1000 MW. It’s
an important milestone because during the Winter Solstice, the sun is lower in
the sky than at any other time of year, which means that there is much less
solar energy available for solar panels to utilize.
Just
a few days later, on New Year’s Eve, the California Independent System Operator
tweeted early that solar output had set a new record of 1,122 megawatts, and on
January 2 hit 1,235 MW. Solar power companies in San Diego were
excited to hear the news of this record, and even more excited to help the
state reach more solar milestones in the coming year.
The
significant point here isn’t just the about of MW generated, but also how California’s
solar energy generating capacity has grown significantly since the August
record was set; and when compared to last year, the growth is especially
impressive. In December 2011, for example, there was a maximum of only 200 MW
of solar power production generated.
California
has one of the country’s most determined renewable energy programs. By 2020, the
state aims to generate 33 percent of its power from renewable sources,
including solar power.
Throughout
the state, San Francisco to San Diego solar panel installations
are becoming more common, and the growth is expected to continue – or even
increase – in 2013. What a great way for California to start the New Year!
