California breaks new solar production record

The state of California has reached another first. This summer we became the number one solar energy producer in the nation.

The state produced more than 1,000 megawatts of solar energy on two of the hottest days this summer. A thousand megawatts is equivalent to energy produced by two gas-fired power plants. That's a record amount for California and more than any other state ever. The California Public Utilities Commission says it's only the beginning.

"It has been way behind up until the last few years. Now it is coming on like gangbusters as you would say very, very fast. By the end of the decade the most dominant renewable energy source in California will be solar," said Michael Peevey, president of the state PUC.

The state's goal is to harness one-third of its energy from renewable sourced by the year 2020.

Get more 7 On Your Side »

solar energy, 7 on your side, michael finney

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•