Just how much potential does Wisconsin have to harness energy from the sun?
A lot, according to a new report from Wisconsin Environment. The group’s state director Dan Kohler says despite the cold weather climate, the Badger State actually has more sun light than the world’s leader in solar power.
“The world’s leader in solar energy is Germany. Wisconsin actually has a climate better suited to solar power than Germany. We receive 20% more sunlight than Germany does.”
Kohler says the so-called Clean Energy Jobs Act is all about reducing pollution, creating jobs, and making us more energy independent.
“If you put in perspective how much potential we really have; if we put solar panels on the viable buildings and homes in this state, we can generate enough electricity to power two-thirds of the state’s 2.5 million homes.”
Wisconsin Environment is making a final push for lawmakers to act on the bill, which would increase the state’s renewable energy requirement from 10% to 25% by 2025.
The state’s largest business group, WMC, opposes the measure. Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker calls it a ‘global warming bill.’ He says thousands of jobs would be lost if signed into law.
The legislature is considering the bill while in the final days of this legislative session.
NOTE: Wisconsin Environment’s report is called, Ready to Shine: the Potential of Wisconsin Solar Industry.
Jackie Johnson report 1:25
