Texas may consider itself the biggest in everything, but California can make a good argument for being the first and the largest in many areas. Jokingly referred to as the “Left Coast,” California has long been on the cutting edge in cultural, technological, and environmental advancement. With its abundant, year-round sunshine, the state is perfectly positioned to be at the forefront of solar energy production, and it is living up to that reputation with a vengeance.
Solar generation of electricity is a rapidly advancing field and California has the largest solar economy in the nation — in fact, they have a larger solar industry and generate more profits from solar research and implementation than most countries. They have more solar installation companies and are far ahead of any other state in the number of homes, businesses, and farms that are solar-powered.
In order to maintain their dominance in this area and capitalize on their sunny climate, the state is in the midst of a huge drive to increase the megawatts of electricity generated by sunlight. California solar power rebates are available from the three largest utilities in the state as well as many of the smaller power companies. Farms, businesses, homes, schools, and non-profit organizations are eligible for various programs — even government buildings qualify for tax incentives or rebates.
With the California Solar Initiative ongoing through 2016, it is highly unlikely that the state will lose its status as first in solar power anytime soon.