U.S., Spain lead in solar power

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- The United States and Spain have led the way in solar power for the last two years, according to a study by Ausra, a California-based solar energy company.

The two nations have a combined 5,600 megawatts of solar capacity expected to come online by 2012.

Globally, concentrating solar thermal power capacity is expected to double every 16 months over the next five years, USA Today reports. By 2012, global solar capacity could reach 6,400 megawatts.

Concentrating solar thermal plants generate electricity using reflectors to focus sunlight that is absorbed by fluid on a panel and used to generate steam that drives a turbine to produce electricity.

Economic and policy incentives, in addition to rising oil and gas prices, are given as the reasons behind the increased interest in solar power.