U.S ranks fourth in solar electric capacity

MSNBC.com reports that despite the Gulf oil disaster, solar power remains a largely untapped power source in the United States.

Incredible when you think of the wide open and sunny spaces, the USA actually ranks fourth in solar electric capacity behind Germany, Italy and Japan with solar energy accounting for less than 1% of the countries energy use.

I'm sure that figure will change given the huge generating potential and the number of states that are actively encouraging he use of solar energy through various schemes and as MSNBC reports, a $787 billion stimulus bill that Congress passed.

For example, a 30 percent manufacturing tax credit has already seen 58 new solar energy equipment production plants open - Click here to read MSNBC's full article.

Exciting times ahead in the USA - lets hope it stimulates the UK as well.

photo credit: tinyfroglet