Solar installations, capacity surge in U.S.
The solar energy in the U.S. more than doubled installation in 2010 as revenue and photovoltaic capacity surged, according to a report.
The Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research recapped the progress of the industry in the U.S. Here's a quick look from the release and executive summary:
- Total market value for the industry was $6 billion in 2010, up 67 percent from $3.6 billion in 2009.
- 878 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity was installed in 2010.
- 65,000 homes and businesses added solar water heating or pool heating systems.
- 16 states installed more than 10 megawatts of PV capacity in 2010, up from four in 2007.
- The top 10 solar states included California, New Jersey, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.
- Installed PV system costs fell 8 percent for residential properties and 10 percent for commercial installations.
- Utility installations tripled in 2010 to hit 242 megawatts.
The report also puts the U.S. solar market into a global context:
Most major national PV markets are focused on a particular market segment. In Japan, the residential market dominates. In Spain and Italy, large-scale PV systems drive the majority of demand. In Germany, residential and small commercial systems reign. Historically in the U.S., non-residential installations (which include commercial, public sector, and non-profit projects) drove the market, comprising more than 45% of total installations alone. In 2010, however, both the residential and utility markets expanded rapidly such that each of the three market segments contributed over 25% of total installations. This diversity of market segmentation is ultimately one of the greatest values of the U.S. market, as it reduces the market’s reliance on individual segments and business models.
The one wild-card for the U.S. solar industry is a mish-mash of regulations by state. The Solar Energy Industries Association recommended a more standardized approach.
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com