Since the California Solar Initiative (CSI) was launched in 2007, northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area has been an epicenter of activity within the state’s solar industry. Richmond, a city in the east Bay Area, has thus far played second fiddle to San Jose, the region’s perennial leader in solar energy installations. Last week, however, the former received some recognition for its efforts.

The Northern California Solar Energy Association gave Richmond two awards: first place in solar watts-per-capita installed, and second place in total watts installed. Outlined in the group’s 2009 Bay Area Solar Installations Report (PDF), which has been submitted each year since CSI’s launch, the figures are largely the result of several large-scale solar installations that were recently brought online within Richmond’s city limits. Among them is a half-megawatt solar electric system that rests atop the roof of a local beverages distributor.

According to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Richmond has completed 94 solar installations through the CSI.

Organizations like RichmondBUILD help generate interest and solar kilowatt-hours.

What makes Richmond attractive for solar energy? According to the solar installation report (via Richmond Confidential), “solar-friendly utility rates, net metering, ample sun exposure, supportive local, state, and federal government programs and legislation, and a strong environmental ethic.”

Like all Americans, Richmond residential and commercial solar consumers can avail themselves of a 30-percent federal tax credit. Beyond this, buyers can tap solar incentives available under the CSI program.

There are also a plethora of community organizations — like Grid Alternatives and RichmondBUILD — that train individuals and help spread the benefits of solar energy in low-income communities.

All of these factors have had a hand in Richmond increasing its total solar energy watt capacity by 399 percent from 2008 to 2009 alone. Here’s to hoping this upward trend in interest and number of completed solar installations continues.