New Study: Baltimore highlighted in new report on solar power progress

Media Contacts
Kate Breimann

Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center

 

For Immediate Release: 

 May 28, 2020

BALTIMORE – Baltimore ranked 38th for solar energy capacity (per capita) among the nation’s leaders. The results come from the seventh edition of Shining Cities: The Top U.S. Cities for Solar Energy, a new report released today by Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center. It is the most comprehensive survey available of installed solar capacity in major U.S. cities. 

“Charm City has now earned the title Solar Leader” said Kate Breimann, advocate with Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center. “This report shows us that we’re right on the track, but it’s time to pick up the pace. Though solar installations are largely on pause due to COVID19, Baltimore has a chance to build out a clean and affordable energy future coming out of the crisis.

Beyond the findings in Maryland, the report examined national solar power in major cities over the past seven years. The analysis found that of the 57 cities surveyed in all seven editions of this report, almost 90 percent more than doubled their total installed solar PV capacity between 2013 and 2019.

Overall, this year’s Shining Cities survey ranked 70 of America’s major cities by solar energy capacity. Honolulu placed first overall for solar energy capacity per capita, while Los Angeles finished No. 1  in total solar energy capacity installed. Leaders in per capita solar capacity region were: Honolulu in the Pacific region; Las Vegas in the Mountain region; Indianapolis in the North Central region; San Antonio in the South Central region; Jacksonville, Fla., in the South Atlantic region; and Burlington, Vt., in the Northeast region.

These numbers show tremendous progress, but the continued implementation of key policies, like those outlined in Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center’s Renewables on the Rise report will be critical to keep clean energy growing.

“With the continued growth in solar at risk in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, we must make smart policy choices in this space,” said Breimann. “That means taking steps to build the future we need, by investing in infrastructure that advances a future powered entirely by renewable energy sources.”

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Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment Maryland is part of Environment America, a national network of 29 state environmental groups.

 

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