Since 2008, North Carolina has seen a massive increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun.

North Carolina ranked third for solar energy production growth and 13th for improvements in electric energy efficiency, according to a new report released by Environment North Carolina Research & Policy Center.

An interactive map was also released to accompany the report.

“Every day, there’s more evidence that a cleaner, healthier economy powered by renewable energy is within our reach,” said Director of the Environment North Carolina Research & Policy Center Drew Ball. “The progress we’ve made in the last decade on renewable energy and clean energy technologies, like battery storage and electric cars, should give North Carolinians confidence that we can take clean energy to the next level. As this report shows, it’s the right thing to do if we want a stronger economy and healthier families across our state.”

The report, “Renewables on the Rise,” provides a state-by-state assessment of the growth of key technologies needed to power the nation with clean, renewable energy. North Carolina ranked third for solar, 30th for wind, 13th for improvements in electric energy efficiency, 10th for electric vehicle charging stations, 17th for electric vehicles sold and 20th for battery storage capacity.

“North Carolina has seen significant progress on clean energy and is now a leading state on multiple fronts,” said Energy Director at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Jennifer Mundt. “But, in order to ensure a healthy future for our children, we must continue to lead by quickly transitioning North Carolina to a future powered by renewable energy.”

– Submitted article