Los Angeles Shines Second in Solar Power Study
As of September, 4,018 solar installations had been added in Los Angeles
Getty Images
In a study released on Jan. 25, Los Angeles ranked as the second-highest city generating solar energy in California.
San Diego ranked number one.
The report produced by the Environment California Research and Policy Center measured the number of solar installations on residential, commercial and government buildings.
The data was collected from California state public and private utilities in August of 2011. This is the second report published since 2009.
As of September, 4,018 solar installations had been added in Los Angeles. San Diego produced 4,507, San Jose, 2,733, San Francisco, 2,405, and Fresno, 2,146, according to the report.
Although the report focused exclusively on the cities in California, the sunshine state is considered to be the leader in generating solar energy nationally, according to Michelle Kinman, the co-author of "California's Solar Cities 2012: Leaders in the Race Toward a Clean Energy Future."
"Since California is the leader in terms of state-wide solar use, then it's safe to say that Los Angeles would be second nationally," said Kinman.
With Los Angeles ranking second in the solar market, the report states that solar power development will enable the economy by generating jobs specific to the Los Angeles market.
"There is tremendous potential for jobs with solar power installation," Kinman said. "It presents a vehicle for job creation."
Industry analysts predict that by 2020, more than 1 million residential solar installations will be implemented, adding $30 billion to the economy and creating more than 20,000 new jobs per year, according to the report released.
"People are interested in solar installations. I've had to hire more people because lately we've been busier," said Shawn Alvandi, owner of LA Solar Energy, a Los Angeles solar system installation company.
Since 2009, Los Angeles has tripled the amount of solar power installed, yet there's still more work to be done.
"In absolute terms, Los Angeles comes in second because of the sheer size of the city, but per capita, it by no means is the leader," said Kinman.
This is because only about 1 in 1,0000 Angelenos have rooftop solar installations. In comparison to cities such as Santa Rosa or Clovis, where there are roughly 10 solar installations for every 1,000 residents.
"Overall, compared to 2 years ago, this trend was seen as a boutique market, but it's taking hold across the state and not just in Los Angeles," Kinman said. "It has the potential to grow."
Follow NBCLA for the latest LA news, events and entertainment: Twitter: @NBCLA // Facebook: NBCLA
