Why Italy is Surpassing the U.S. in Solar Power
What Italy lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in solar power. In fact, according to recent calculations, it’s on the verge of surpassing the U.S. in total installed solar PV capacity.
In 2009, Italy was dubbed the world’s second-largest solar power market in the world, just ahead of the U.S. They installed 250 MW every two months—more than the state of California added in an entire year. The U.S. as a whole installed close to half that amount, but considering the large difference in land mass, Italy’s carbon footprint is nowhere near that of America’s.
So far in 2010, Italy has installed 1500 MW of solar power, mainly on rooftops. In comparison, the U.S. has installed 480 MW, with 250 MW in California alone. With overall size, population and economy similar to that of California, they should, in essence, be neck and neck.
By the end of 2010, Italy will have installed more than 2,500 MW of solar power—that’s 1.5 times the amount in America. They have already far surpassed their 2007 goal of reaching 1,200 MW.
Looks like size is deceptive when it comes to going green. The score thus far: Italy 1, United States, still draggin’ its heels.
Photo Credit: GreenDiary
Posted on June 29th in Solar Information by Kayla.
July 1st, 2010 at 7:59 am
Considering Italy’s size and population compared to the US – this is quite embarrassing!
July 1st, 2010 at 2:16 pm
This is bunch of bull crap. You obviously have not done enough research. It’s pretty funny how it’s us Italians who criticize Italy for not having enough installations…as California does!
I am Italian American who has been living and teaching in Sicily for 14 years now and I have only seen 3 small to medium installations so far. Pretty amazing considering that Sicily can’t get any closer to Africa that it already is and where the sun shines almost the entire day.
Many solar companies in Italy are closing because it’s nearly impossible to obtain bank financing and to get through the red tape and bureaucracy (including the pay offs under the table). Most of the installations we boast in our stats (and in your article) are actually solar installation projects on paper that have not been realized yet and never will!
The very FEW big installations that are present in Italy are under investigation for Mafia infiltrations. This is Italy!