A recent story in the New York Times sets forth the top 10 solar power states in the U.S., which might surprise you.

Solar panels on a school in New Jersey

Actually, the top spot in the list is fairly predictable – its California.  Not only does the state enjoy ample sunshine, but its Million Solar Roofs Initiative has helped to propel large numbers of solar panel rooftop installations.

In second place after California is New Jersey.  So, how does this Northeastern State rank ahead of sunnier locales like Arizona and Florida?  The state has committed to increase reliance on renewable energy resources like solar power over the next 10 years, which – not surprisingly – means more solar panels installed.  New Jersey has also required all future schools that are constructed to include solar panels on the rooftops.

The Solar Energy Industries Association reports these top 10 states in order based on installed solar capacity:

1. California: 47% with 971 megawatts

2. New Jersey: 14% with 293 MW

3. Colorado: 5% with 108 MW

4. Arizona: 5% with 101 MW

5. Nevada: 5% with 97 MW

6. Florida: 4% with 73 MW

7. New York: 3% with 54 MW

8. Pennsylvania: 3% with 54 MW

9. New Mexico: 2% with 45 MW

10. North Carolina: 2% with 42 MW

Percentages are broken down from a sum of all installed solar capacity across the United States.

Does your state rank in the top 10 solar power states in the U.S.?  If not, what might be done to increase reliance on renewable energy where you live?