The Best Damn Solar Show, Period

U.S. renewable advocates say their power is bigger and better

If America has to resort to renewables, we're gonna do it in butt-kickin' style. Yesterday, Arizona approved rules that would require a 15 percent renewable-energy mix by 2025, pending certification from its attorney general. "Move over California," said utility commissioner Kris Mayes. "We are making Arizona the solar energy capital of the world once again." Sounds like Mayes has been sipping the Kool-Aid served by fund-manager-turned-solar-advocate Travis Bradford, who's organizing "solar salons" across the country. "One of the interesting things about the U.S. when compared to other industrialized countries is that it has more sun per capita," Bradford said. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! While solar currently produces 0.1 percent of U.S. power, it's growing 30 to 40 percent a year, inspiring brokers, hedge fund types, and others. Said renowned folkie Peter Yarrow, who hosted a salon last month, "There were more people interested in solar in my living room than started the Civil Rights movement."