Solar energy capacity is growing in Vermont

April 7, 2015 0 By Stephen Vagus

Report shows that Vermont’s solar capacity is growing quickly

Vermont has made promising progress in bolstering its solar energy capacity, according to a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association. The report highlights the growth of solar capacity throughout the United States, but notes that Vermont has become a very promising market for solar energy developers. The U.S. solar market is showing healthy signs of growth as more states move to embrace clean energy for economic and environmental reasons.

State installed 38 MW of solar energy capacity last year, bringing total capacity to 70 MW

According to the report, Vermont added 38 megawatts of solar energy capacity in 2014. This brings the state’s total installed solar capacity to 70 megawatts, which is enough to power approximately 7,500 average homes. The greatest increases in capacity have come from utility-scale projects, but residential solar installations have also been growing more common throughout the state. The solar installations made in the state last year represent a combined $76 million in investments.

Solar developers show favor for Vermont’s policies and opportunities

Solar Energy CapacityThe report shows that there are more than 70 solar energy developers working in Vermont, together employing more than 1,000 people in the state. With the solar market growing, Vermont may see some economic gains. The state will rely less on fossil-fuels, which are becoming increasingly expensive, and new solar projects provide new job opportunities for those that want to be involved in the renewable energy space.

Solar energy industry is becoming a powerful economic force in the United States

According to the report from the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. solar sector employs more than 174,000 people nationwide. This is more than the workforce of Apple, Google, Facebook, and Twitter combined. The report shows that the solar energy industry generates some $18 billion in economic activity, as well. The economic prospects of solar power are one of the most attractive qualities of this form of renewable energy. Indeed, economics seems to behind much of the support that states are showing for solar power.

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