Solar Powers a Stronger California

With more than 2,400 in-state solar companies, the solar power industry provides more than 78,000 good-paying jobs for hardworking Californians and has driven over $92 billion worth of investments in communities across the Golden State as of 2022.

California farmers and ranchers are able to both reduce their energy bills and make money by leasing unused land for solar energy projects. Across the state, farmers, ranchers, and landowners have made hundreds of thousands of dollars by working with solar companies and leasing their land for new solar projects. Converting land to a solar farm could help generate around $1,200 to $1,500 per acre per year.

A majority of solar projects are developed in rural California, bringing much-needed economic benefits to communities that remain economically challenged. Solar power projects help create local jobs, strengthen businesses, and provide increased tax revenue that helps support local schools, infrastructure, and other community needs. For example, Arica Solar Project and Victory Pass Solar Project in Eastern Riverside County plan to power 132,000 homes and generate more than $5.9 million in tax revenue annually.  

The price of solar energy in California has fallen 43% over the last decade, making it more affordable for families and businesses across the Golden State. The cost of installing an average solar system in California produces $64,605 in savings over 20 years. With the increased savings from lowered energy bills and incentives such as payment plans, local stipends, net metering, and solar energy system property tax exclusion, solar systems installed in California homes can be paid back in as little as five to six years. 

California families, farmers, and businesses of all sizes are struggling with the rising cost of energy and electricity bills. Solar panels can help California residents and businesses save more than $1,700 each year on energy bills.

Millions of California families and businesses have experienced the hardships of power outages due to extreme weather. As record-breaking droughts, wildfires, and heat waves continue to increase, the threats these outages pose to the livelihoods of families and businesses across the state will only grow. Solar power provides a more reliable energy source, increasing the strength and resiliency of California’s power grid to help keep the lights on for millions of California homes and businesses during 2022’s record-shattering heat waves. That’s because solar panels are designed to withstand California’s most extreme weather conditions to ensure access to reliable power, day or night, rain or shine.

California ranks first in the nation in terms of installed solar capacity, with enough solar installed to power over 11.5 million California homes. Nearly 28% of the state’s total electricity is generated by solar power. Moreover, in 2022, California added the most new solar capacity of any state, helping support and increase in-state power generation, which is critical to meet the growing demand for electricity in California.

In 2022, solar jobs grew in 42 states and Puerto Rico, with the most job growth happening in California, which added more than 2,400 solar jobs. By 2024, solar jobs in California are projected to grow by another 10.3%.

California offers multiple opportunities for solar panel recycling, protecting the environment while ensuring that more clean energy can be created for the state. California provides many public resources to increase awareness on the recyclability of solar panels, and dozens of companies across the state accept solar panels and photovoltaic (PV) systems for recycling.

California leads the nation in solar panel installment on schools—and school districts across the state that have switched to solar are saving millions of dollars as a result. For example, the Chula Vista Elementary School District saved $70 million after installing solar systems to power their schools.

There is overwhelming support for increasing use of renewable energy, including solar power, in California. According to a survey, 70% of California voters want the electricity grid to run on 100% renewable energy by 2035.