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| Below are some
general and interesting facts and statistics related
to solar energy in the USA, solar energy usage,
and solar power as an alternative and renewable energy
source. |
In The USA demand for solar power has risen on
average 30% every year for the last 15 years. |
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The USA is currently the 4th largest market for
solar power in the world behind Germany, Spain, and
Japan. |
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Although accounting for only 5% of the worlds
population, it is estimated that US citizens consume
over 25% of the world's energy. |
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Currently , solar power provides less than 1% of all
energy needs in the USA. |
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In the USA, only approximately 10,000 homes are
currently powered entirely by solar energy. |
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According to
the US dept of Energy, the solar energy resource in a
100-mile-square area of Nevada could supply the United
States with all its electricity. |
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According to
the US dept of Energy, The cost of producing PV
modules, (solar cells) in constant dollars, has fallen
from as much as $50 per peak watt in 1980 to as little
as $3 per peak watt today. |
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According to the US dept
of Energy, The U.S.-based Photovoltaic industry
is approaching $1 billion per year and is expected to
grow to the $10-$15 billion level in the next 20
years. |
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California is the currently the leading solar power
state in the USA in terms of solar system
installations
and solar power generation. |
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In just one hour, the earth receives more
energy from the sun than the entire world uses during
a whole year. |
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