California officials have approved a new renewable energy standard that is likely to make solar energy more widespread than ever in a state that has already established itself as a leader in the clean technology field.

The policy approved by the California Air Resources Board will require one-third of the electricity sold in the state to be derived from renewable sources. Supporters point out that along with delivering environmental benefits, the plan will likely spur the development of additional green jobs in California, which currently has one of the nation's highest unemployment rates.

"This standard is going to further diversify and secure our energy supply while also growing California’s leading green technology market, which will lead to cost savings for consumers," said the board's chairman, Mary Nichols.

This regulation will also far exceed a national renewable electricity standard proposed by members of Congress that would require 15 percent of power generated to come from clean sources by the end of the coming decade.

Under the California policy, the state will need to generate 20 percent of its electricity sold from renewable sources between 2012 and 2014, with that figure rising to 28 percent by 2018 and settling at 33 percent by 2020.