Do you know which U.S. states are in the best position to harness solar power for their electricity needs? If your first instinct is to start naming states where they grow oranges, you’ll be surprised by where solar is flourishing.

According to the Solar Industries Association, California has the most installed solar energy, but since it has the size and economy of a medium-sized country, let’s put that anomaly aside for a second. Weighing in as solar heavyweight number two is New Jersey. Yes, the Garden State has the second largest amount of installed solar in America. And no, they don’t grow oranges there. What New Jersey does have is a set of really good public policies that entice solar businesses to put panels on rooftops at breakneck speed. In fact, New Jersey has 37 times more solar installed than Minnesota, despite being 10 times smaller and having a significantly poorer-quality solar energy resource.

Some other states in the top 10 list of installed solar: Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New York. Unfortunately, Minnesota is way down the list near number 25. So if Minnesota has such a good solar resource, how can we make the most of it? The answer is simple, but not easy: we need solid policies to spur the industry.

For more information on solar-boosting policies, specifically solar on public buildings like schools, libraries, and police and fire stations, check out “Bringing Solar to Minnesota’s Schools!” by Solar Works for Minnesota Coalition member Ken Bradley.

Do you know which U.S. states are in the best position to harness solar power for their electricity needs? If your first instinct is to start naming states where they grow oranges, you’ll be surprised by where solar is flourishing.