Transparency: The Best States for Alternative Energy

The overlay highlight for Vermont is in the wrong place Small graphical glitches aside, this is very interesting! Perhaps it would be better to go fully horizontal though? The “Bright Lights” section looks like it could use a slightly different treatment overall—right now I feel like I should be grouping it with “Solar Power”, even though it’s an overview of all three.

While I agree that hydropower is an ‘alternative’ source of energy, I’d hesitate to describe it as ‘renewable’. 

Your definition of solar power is too restrictive and works against the purpose of your piece.  Some of the highest-efficiency, fastest-payback solar power is solar thermal — making hot water, in other words.  Requires far less in the way of energy inputs, begins producing substantial net energy much faster, and even works great here in Oregon.Solar thermal is way too often overlooked; media wants pictures of “solar panels” and by that they mean PV panels — but some of the most important solar panels reducing fossil fuel usage around are hot water heaters.

this infographic is lacking info and graphics.  it was hard to understand and navigate; very little information was offered.  can you add some more color?  dialogue?   I really like your infographics, but this one was a tough nut to crack.

I agree with John. Solar Thermal is something that we should be adopting right behind installing energy efficiency measures in homes and businesses. I think the map was done with good intentions but I feel that people that are not knowledgeable enough about renewable energies and appropriate conditions for operation and will infer differently about their own locations. In other words, people and/or companies are looking for reasons for NOT pursuing renewables. But if one were to look at Germany and their solar thermal installations Americans would be quite surprised. Though Germany doesn’t have the best conditions for any solar applications, whether electric or thermal, this country has made a commitment to reduce is energy imports. Result: Germany has reduced it’s  vulnerability to the energy markets and continues to further reduce it’s consumption. The US MUST pursue this example to remain independent internationally.

I was thrilled that AZ Governor Jan Brewer (R) signed into law State Sen. Barbara Leff’s (R-Phoenix) bill offering better incentives to solar companies to set up shop here.  We have about 320+ days of nothing but sunshine; that we are not already at the forefront of solar power generation is a travesty.  Our former governor (and current DHS Sec) did nothing to address this; all she did was sell away state trust land to her developer buddies so those God-awful cookie cutter houses could go up all over the state.  Now?  about 30% of them are EMPTY.So to all those who think only Democrats are doing something or are serious about the environment, it’s completely opposite here in AZ!!

Its nice to see all these graphs and all the information. However, here in Ohio where progress is decades behind and no real leaders making anything happen. Its Impossible to get help to go solar heat or anything else. So I guess I’m asking where am I as a consumer wanting to make a change to my life style suppose to fingd help in doing so. I have contacted my state representatives an Senators an got nothing but cute form letters thanking me for my interest. So fellow greenerys where is the help to make the change?

I must be missing something here. How is it that Florida is not listed in the top five states for solar power? 

Your explanation of how solar energy works is incorrect. It doesn’t work by warming the photovoltaic cell, not at all. It works because the incoming radiation from the sun knocks electrons out of the atoms in the cell, and these free-flowing electrons are exactly the definition of current. More here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell#TheoryThis should be corrected on the graphic to make it more persuasive.