Solar Flare

Florida may be the Sunshine State, but New Jersey is fast becoming the solar one. Thanks in part to a state-funded rebate program Jersey has experienced a small solar boom. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, "The state has seen a burst of construction, from six solar power systems in 2001 to 1,270 today, with 600 more in construction and 1,000 applicants for the next round of funding." Among the projects in the offing is a giant one slated for the Meadowlands. Touted as the largest solar farm in the nation, the project would blanket some 30 acres of landfill in solar panels. New Jersey is committed to supplying 2 percent of its power from solar by 2020. That may sound modest, but of the 22 states that currently have solar power mandates, only California's is more ambitious.