California is leading the way when it comes to clean energy efforts. The state has set specific goals and targets, and also inspired other cities and communities to support in effective energy efficiency and clean energy programs.

1. California Sets a New Gold Standard for Energy
For many years now, the state of California has lead the way in clean energy efforts and
inspired others to join. The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) is greatly responsible
for leading the campaign.
What is the Renewables Portfolio Standard?
The RPS is a regulation that demands the production of a set portion of energy to be
generated from renewable energy sources like wind, solar, biomass and geothermal.
Mostly, it is a commitment that requires electricity supply companies to generate a
specific portion of their electricity from renewable energy sources. Already, 33 of the 50
states in the United States have adopted the RPS.

2. The state of California has made the conscious effort to set and meet new standards
throughout the years. In 2002, the RPS Program was established. The main goal was to
increase the percentage of renewable energy. Initially, the goal was to produce a
combined electricity mix of 20 percent by the year 2017. However, in 2003, there was a
change of plans and the deadline for the new goal was set for 2010. Since it was first
implemented, the Integrated Energy Policy Report has been allowing the state to push
for higher goals. Between 2010 and 2020, there will be a 13 percent target increase.
Entities such as publicly owned utilities, investor-owned utilities and other electricity
service providers adopted the new Renewable Electricity Standard. The Golden State
leads the country in installed solar capacity. It’s also third in wind power.
Most recently, there’s been a new proposal for the renewable energy target in California.
Governor Jerry Brown has proposed a new clean target for the state—50 percent by
2030.
The new goal focuses heavily on preserving energy and creating opportunities for the
future. It is no longer a matter of sustaining the state for the time being, but rather to
capitalize on the success it’s had thus far and improving renewable energy sources for
the future.
How Does the RPS Help Californians?
When Governor Edmund G. Brown signed SBX1-2, he made it clear that these new
regulations and standards were part of a bigger picture. He believed the bill would bring
multiple benefits to the state of California. Not only would it increase chances to invest in
eco-friendly technologies, it also meant an opportunity to create thousands of new jobs
for hopefuls looking to bounce back from unemployment. Additionally, California’s air
quality would improve and greenhouse gas emissions would drop.
Since 2002, when California first adopted RPS, almost 200 new renewable energy
generation projects have been created. About 75 percent of the projects created were
established in counties faced with high unemployment rates.
In 2009, nearly 12 percent of all electricity in California came from renewable resources.
10 percent of electricity also came from hydro plants. The amount of energy the state is
now producing is enough to power more than 4.5 million homes. That number is
expected to double by the year 2020.
RPS is giving Californians a chance to create an electricity supply that will last for
decades to come. It also promotes clean technology investments and innovation among
the generation living in these conditions. The market for renewable energy is highly likely
to continue growing and expanding. It’s inspiring younger generations to become
resourceful and innovative.
Solar Panels Play a Big Role
As mentioned earlier, California generates more electricity from renewable energy
sources than any other state. Solar power in California has increased swiftly due to high
insolation, community support, as well as a decrease in solar costs.

3. Solar panels have been a large part of the positive environmental changes taking place
in California as well as the rest of the country. For those who aren’t entirely familiar with
solar panels, they are devices that convert light into electricity.
Usually, when light hits an object, the energy turns into heat causing the object attracting
that same light to turn hot. However, when light hits materials like a solar panel, it is able
to convert the light into electrical currents, which can then be used for power. It’s
become an ideal alternative to burning fossil fuels.
In 2006, solar installation companies put up a new system every 80 minutes for
purchasers. In 2013, that statistic skyrocketed. According to Green Tech Media, a new
system was being installed every four minutes. GTM predicts that by 2016, a new
system will be installed every 80 seconds.
Be a Part of the Movement
Many believe that solar panels are a huge investment. Surprisingly though, studies have
shown an 80 percent decline in the cost of solar panels since 2008. However, there is no
comparison between the money you’ll be spending and the benefits you’ll be receiving
once you’ve installed your own solar panels.
By contacting your local solar installation company, not only are you aiding the efforts for
a greener and more beautiful environment—you’re also helping rebuild the economy. In
2012, solar energy employment in the US increased by 20 percent. The industry itself
grew nearly 53 percent, providing roughly 50,000 new jobs. There are currently more
than 143,000 working for solar companies.
Studies have shown that over time, people who choose to install solar panels save a
substantial amount of money. The average solar panel system can save you up to
$20,000 a year. Residents of the US with significantly high electricity bills may save even
more. So what do you have to lose? Call your local installer today.
Revolve Solar is a leader in the Solar Industry. Located in Central Texas and Northern
California, the focus is on customer service for both residential and commercial
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visit their website today.