Interactive map details solar installations

An interactive series of maps and charts show where PV panels are being installed, how big they are, and how much they cost. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Web site, openpv.nrel.gov, hosts the dynamic time map showing PV installation activity in the U.S. from 1998 to 2009.

Users can push the "Explore" button on the Web site to open the PV Market Mapper application and call up any state in the nation to see graphs on the number of PV installations, cost and capacity over time. It is also possible to find installations by zip code and neighborhood.

Accuracy not guaranteed. We looked for the PV panels now installed at Progressive Field in Cleveland, home of the Cleveland Indians. Somehow the map missed those. Interesting statistics nevertheless.

http://openpv.nrel.gov/