Yes, all true, and don’t forget the mild climate that allows us to spend significantly less on heating and cooling. On a typical day, or over a month in summer, California uses only about half the electricity that Texas does, even with the larger population and bigger economy.

But don’t get the wrong impression. Colder northern states can be just as good, or better, equipped to deploy solar. Solar panels work best when it’s sunny and cold. Heat drops their efficiency. Also, all those midwestern states are going with wind power in a big way, and with their established drilling industries are uniquely positioned to move to deep geothermal rather than extracting oil and gas.