California No. 1 for new wind power generators

Jan 27 - North County Times

California topped a list for new wind turbine installations with 328 in 2011, adding 921 megawatts of capacity to the local grid, an industry association said Thursday.

Wind generators count toward helping satisfy the legal requirements of California utilities to buy a third of their power from renewable sources by 2020. Unlike solar power, which produces the most power in the middle of the day, wind turbines typically produce power from dusk to dawn.

Developers installed 6,810 megawatts in 2011, 31 percent more than last year, the Wind Energy Association said.

California ranks third for wind power under construction, with 441 new turbines on the way, which would add 847 megawatts to the grid.

Call staff writer Eric Wolff at 760-303-1927, follow him on Twitter at ericwolff or find him on Facebook at facebook.com/NCTHousing.

___

Visit the North County Times (Escondido, Calif.) at www.nctimes.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services