For large-scale deployment of solar energy facilities and systems, the dry, sun-drenched desert areas of the southwestern United States are ideal. Solar energy can provide electricity, monitor ecosystem conditions, pump water for livestock, and provide lighting and communications for remote desert locations. Solar radiation levels in the Southwest are some of the highest registered in the world, suitable for utility-scale solar power plant development. Additionally, Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants require large tracts of land with good solar resources such as that which can be found in the southwestern United States. Therefore, given current solar energy technologies, the southwestern U.S., specifically, southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, are best suited for solar energy development.[1]
While the southwestern United States are ideally suited for solar energy, 25 major cities throughout the U.S. are working to accelerate the adoption of solar energy technologies for a cleaner, more secure energy future. In June 2007, 13 Solar America Cities were selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), followed by an additional 12 cities in March 2008. These cities are part of the DOE’s Solar America Cities program, which has engaged over 180 organizations, including municipal, county, and state agencies, solar companies, universities, utilities, and non-profit organizations to help lay the foundation for a solar energy market that can serve as a model for cities around the nation. These partners have made a commitment to power their cities using solar energy, a clean, safe, and reliable energy source.[2]
The map below illustrates the varying levels of solar energy potential across the United States, and identifies the Solar America Cities selected in 2007 and 2008.
Source: DOE, 2009[3]
References:
U.S. Department of he Interior: Bureau of Land Management: Solar Energy webpage: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/energy/solar_energy.html
DOE: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Solar America Cities webpage: http://www.solaramericacities.energy.gov/Cities.aspx
Research by Diane Meade
