San Diego ranked second nationally for solar installations

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – San Diego ranks second nationally and fourth per capita in solar installations, according to a study released by the nonprofit Environment California.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Councilman Todd Gloria and Environment California representatives are scheduled to hold a news conference this morning to discuss the results. They’re set to speak at a North Park apartment complex that uses solar power.

At the end of 2014, 149 megawatts of solar capacity was in operation in San Diego, behind only the 170 megawatts in Los Angeles. The category includes all kinds of solar installations, whether rooftop or utility scale, the environmental organization said.

Environment California said 110 watts of solar was produced per person in Sand Diego, which ranked behind Honolulu, Indianapolis and San Jose.

“San Diego is leading the way in solar energy, and that’s going to help us meet many of our city’s environmental goals and put San Diegans back to work,” Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. “Solar energy is a key element to the city’s proposed Climate Action Plan, which calls for 100 percent renewable energy use in the city by 2035.”

Environment California credits a commitment to solar energy among city leaders statewide, and streamlined and predictable permitting fees.

The study found that the U.S. had 20,500 megawatts of solar electric capacity at the end of last year, enough to power 4 million homes.