The Sun is Shining on Solar Power
This week, solar electricity made the news with high-profile investments by Google and the government's energy department.
Google announced that they're funding the installation of solar panels on 10,000 homes. The Obama administration's investment will loan out about a billion dollars to electric companies developing their solar programs.
When looking for the best places for solar, sun is one part of the equation.
Globally, locations closest to the equator get more sun than places near the poles. But there's a reason that New Mexico gets more sun that Tennessee.
"Without moisture, you can't create clouds," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Edwards said. "That's one of the biggest things. That's why there are more sunny days in Arizona and Southern California."
Which states get the highest number of sunny days?
DATA: The National Climatic Data Center's ranking of cities based on percent of possible annual sunshine
However, "It's not as simple as you think it is," Mike Taylor, director of research for the Solar Electric Power Association, said.
The area doesn't just need sunshine. Investors calculate the cost of electricity in the area. For expensive solar panels to save money, electricity needs to be expensive too. A sunny spot where a homeowner can get electricity for 10 cents per kilowatt hour isn't as good of an investment as a cloudy spot where electricity costs twice as much.
The best states for solar also offer rebates and incentives for solar projects.
More Weather News
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Memorial Day Weekend Heat Wave
May 24, 2012; 9:15 AM ET
Break out the fans and air conditioners and get the pools ready as a heat wave is poised for portions of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic this Memorial Day weekend.
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Peru Dolphin Deaths "Natural"; Pelicans May Have Starved
May 24, 2012; 9:12 AM ET
The roughly 800 dolphin deaths observed off central and northern Peru are likely a result of natural causes, Fox New Latino website said on Wednesday, citing a government agency finding.
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Hurricane Bud in the Eastern Pacific
May 24, 2012; 9:10 AM ET
Bud in the Eastern Pacific has strengthened to become the first hurricane of the season in waters of the Americas.
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Tornado Risk Iowa to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan
May 24, 2012; 9:09 AM ET
Thunderstorms this afternoon and Thursday night will bring the risk of tornadoes from Iowa to Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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Sanvu is First Pacific Typhoon in 2012
May 24, 2012; 7:15 AM ET
Typhoon Sanvu has become the year's first typhoon, and the first such storm since early October 2011.
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Southwest Winds Elevate Fire Risk, Threaten Blowing Dust
May 24, 2012; 6:05 AM ET
High winds will slam portions of California and the Desert Southwest late this week, bringing the already high fire threat to extreme levels and ushering in cooler air.
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Chile Drought May Be Dented by Rainstorm
May 24, 2012; 6:03 AM ET
A major rainstorm may be in the offing for drought-hit central and mid-southern Chile, including the nation's biggest population centers.
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Everest Death Toll 4 from Weekend Rush
May 24, 2012; 6:00 AM ET
Another Everest climber was found dead this morning, bringing the weekend death toll to four, with one climber still missing.
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India Heat Wave as Monsoon Eagerly Awaited
May 24, 2012; 5:58 AM ET
Sweltering heat, the hottest of 2012 in some areas, has spread discomfort across the Indian subcontinent, spurring anticipation of the coming rainy season
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Still Rebuilding One Year After The Joplin, Mo., Tornado
May 24, 2012; 5:55 AM ET
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 107° | Death Valley, CA |
| Low | 28° | Daniel, WY |
| Precip | 3.25" | Buffalo, MN |
WeatherWhys®
People need to pay close attention to the UV index during this time of year. On a sunny day late in the spring and into the summer, the UV is usually at least an 8, which is very high. Readings over 11 are considered extreme values in which only 10 minutes of full exposure to the sun will produce a sunburn.
This Day In Weather History
Oklahoma (1940)
Hail fell to depths of 6-8 inches near Ada. Hail drifted to 5 feet in places with the help of rain runoff.
Northern Texas (1986)
Severe thunderstorms produced 95-mph wind gusts and widespread damage. More than 3 inches of rain fell in less than an hour. A 29-year-old woman and her 6-year-old daughter drowned in their car which was found submerged in an underpass.
Rough Weather
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