In Oklahoma, oil and gas are king. The state is also a powerhouse when it comes to wind energy, ranking fourth in the nation. But when it comes to solar energy, the state has some catching up to do, according to StateImpact, a reporting project of NPR stations. Oklahoma’s deficiencies in the area of solar energy have nothing to do with the sun, and everything to do with state policy.
Tyler Ogeden, a solar analyst at Boston-based Lux Research, explained the problem by comparing Oklahoma to Massachusetts. The New England state only averages about 3 and a half peak sun hours a day, while Oklahoma averages almost 6. But Oklahoma ranks 45th in the nation in solar, while Massachusetts is sixth.
The answer? More aggressive tax incentives, and environmental mandates requiring renewable energy use.