1. North Dakota
North Dakota gets half the number of sunny days as California, which could account for its position as last on this list. Adding to its dismal solar turnout is the fact that ND has just seven solar companies state-wide and currently gets zero percent of its electricity from solar.
2. South Dakota
South Dakota beats out its neighbor to the north by the thinnest of margins. The Mount Rushmore State has ten solar companies at last count (as of Q1 2021), providing approximately 450 solar jobs. Still, South Dakota invests double the amount of ND, with a four million total solar investment throughout the state.
3. West Virginia
It may seem odd to see the sunny state of West Virginia this low on the list. However, WV has long been a leader in coal production and coal mining. Almost 14,000 West Virginians have jobs related to the coal industry, and there are “currently 14 coal-fired electric generating facilities” in the state, according to WV.gov.
4. Alaska
Alaska ranks fourth from the bottom in solar generation. Though it’s invested over 32 million in solar, Alaska is home to just nine solar companies. Solar in AK is further complicated by the fact that cities like Anchorage get a whopping 19 hours of sunlight per day in the summer, but spend most of the winter months in near-darkness.
5. Kentucky
The Bluegrass State is low on this list, but KY may be due for a solar renaissance. With 41 solar companies and a 116 million total investment, KY is seeing strides toward solar synergy. Major corporations, such as General Motors, have installed solar farms in the Bowling Green area of Kentucky. However, some Kentuckians object to industrial solar farms taking over land formerly used for farming and cattle grazing.