Italy's Solar Capacity has Outgrown its Wind Sector

Italy has really pursued solar energy with a passion befitting of the Mediterranean country, and can now boast a level of installed capacity per capita that is five times higher than in California. In fact Italy now produces more electricity from solar energy than wind energy. Paul Gipes from Windworks.org wrote that “this may be the first time that a developed country has generated more electricity with solar PV than with wind energy.”

Italy’s solar energy per capita has increased by more than 500 percent in the last decade. A report by the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), stated that Solar generated nearly 10.7 TWh in 2011, more than three percent of electricity consumption in Italy.

Italy remains second to Germany in terms of total installed solar capacity, but is way ahead of California, who has a similar climate, and population size, and receives much more attention for their solar endeavours. The Golden State clearly is not doing enough to develop their solar potential.

Italy is the number one country for installed solar power compared to electricity production; number two for solar capacity per capita; and number three for installed solar capacity compared to GDP.

James Burgess of Oilprice.com