Report: Nevada among leaders in solar growth

The Solar Energy Industries Association’s report to the Nevada Legislature on Wednesday included many highlights for the Silver State:

Nevada more than doubled its solar capacity in 2016 to 2,191 megawatts over 1,033 megawatts in 2015. 360,000 homes are powered by solar. 7.3 percent of the state’s electricity comes from solar energy.

The state has 8,371 solar jobs, fourthmost in the country. by 2030 and 80 percent by 2040.

One supporter was Sig Rogich, a board member of the Clean Energy Project advocacy group and president of The Rogich Communications Group, who said in a statement: “Nevada needs to continue to update its RPS to better reflect the growing market demand for clean power and Nevada’s potential to become the nation’s leading producer and consumer of renewable energy.”

Rogich said the bill sets an aggressive but achievable goal that may have amendments along the way, “but it’s an intelligent approach to attract increased clean energy investment and new clean energy jobs.”

Many speakers testified in support of the bill.

Fred Voltz of Carson City was one of the few to criticize the legislation, saying the effects of any such mandate must be analyzed for the impacts on ratepayers. Fossil fuels will always be required for when the sun is not out and the winds aren’t blowing, he said. Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3820. Follow @seanw801 on Twitter.