Which states are ideal for solar energy deployment?

In a previous post, I mentioned the top 10 states in solar based on installed solar power capacity. According to a new research, called the Optimal Deployment of Solar Index (ODSI), by Professor Matt Croucher from W. P Carey School of Business at Arizona State University ideal states should have the following:

• a relatively high level of solar insolation
• a fairly large amount of economic activity resulting from solar energy being deployed
• a reasonably low cost of energy installation
• higher than average current prices for electricity
• the potential for electricity production through solar power that would offset large amounts of carbon emissions.

The states that were selected for ranking varied in terms of geography, size, population, and climate. The following is what he came up with.

1. Hawaii
2. New Mexico
3. Colorado
4. Missouri
5. Georgia
6. Texas
7. Arkansas
8. Alabama
9. Mississippi
10. Oklahoma
11. Wisconsin

Do these results surprise you? Solar energy is viable in more places than we think and it’s important to acknowledge and discover these possibilities so that we can expand our solar portfolio. These particular states, if tackled, can generate solar power effectively meanwhile distribute power across the states.

How did the positions get awarded to these states?

Hawaii topped the list at #1 due to having the highest cost of electricity and relatively high carbon emissions. These conditions benefit from solar deployment tremendously.

In second place is New Mexico. They earned their ranking due to the level of insolation and job creation associated with installations.

Third is Colorado. Like New Mexico, they also have a high level of insolation. Their cost of electricity is above average and their carbon emission level is also above-average.

Number four is Missouri. Although electricity prices are low, the cost-per-watt for solar power installation is ideal. The other ideal factor is the above-average job opportunity solar deployment can create.

In fifth is Georgia. The cost-per-watt to install solar power is low and ranks high in insolation.

Texas comes next and is average in terms of carbon dioxide emission, ranks relatively high in terms of electricity price, and has a better than average cost of deployment.

The reason Arkansas ranks seventh is due mainly to the large amount of potential jobs deployment may create.

Mississippi and Alabama are tied in the list – Alabama due to the reduction in carbon emission and Mississippi due the high electricity costs and job opportunities.

Oklahoma and Wisconsin are also tied for the last two positions for the top 11 list – Oklahoma due to its optimal generation and consumption and Wisconsin due to being the fourth best on the list of optimal consumption states. Economic conditions can be improved through solar deployment.

So as you can see, various factors can contribute to ideal solar deployment in different states. One factor could be economic related. Another factor could be due to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In general, pretty much all states can benefit from solar in one way or another at various capacities and ways.