Natural Powers: Why Italy is Surpassing the U.S. in Solar Power

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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.

italy solar power

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