Solar energy is clean, renewable and abundant in the U.S., especially in the lower 48 states. In the shadow of global warming and rising fossil fuel prices, harnessing the power from the heat and light of the sun is once again returning to the forefront of our national conversation. Advances in technology continue to make the possibility of becoming a fossil-fuel free society more realistic. Our biggest remaining challenge is to produce and distribute the captured solar energy on a large enough scale to be available and affordable to everyone.

So, which states have the greatest solar energy potential in the U.S.? Here are two graphics, the first depicting average annual sunshine, and the second the quality of annual killowatts per square meter in the U.S.

Source: WAPO

Source: Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

Spain and Germany are also included on the above graphic, as these are two of leading countries in solar energy.  As of 2010, the three leading European countries in solar energy capacity were Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.

The cost of energy effects every aspect of our lives, both personal and professional. For many businesses, site selection analysis practices are taking into account renewable energy sources. Read our previous post to see the top 10 solar energy friendly states.

The GeoMetrx online mapping application encompasses a wide variety of weather data as well as the ability to upload outside data sources. For more information, call today at 1.888.848.4436 or schedule a custom demo any time.