Solar is Booming, Industry Year in Review Released Today

Environment America

Washington, D.C.—Today the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released their annual year-in-review of market trends from 2012. The report found that photovoltaic (PV) installations grew 76 percent in 2012, and that the United States accounted for 11 percent of all global PV installations in 2012 — its highest market share in at least fifteen years. California led the way with the most PV installations again this year, followed by Arizona, New Jersey, Nevada, and North Carolina – all with increased PV installations in 2012. Rounding out the remaining top 10 states are Massachusetts, Hawaii, Maryland, Texas, and New York.

Environment America’s federal clean energy advocate, Courtney Abrams, issued the following statement in response:

“The sun generates more energy in an hour than all the coal mines and oil and gas wells in the world do in a year, and without dangerous pollution that puts our environment and health at risk. We’re thrilled to see SEIA’s market analysis showing strong growth in solar power in 2012.

“States like California, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Maryland are leading the way by installing significantly more solar in 2012 than in 2011 and jumping in the national rankings. With more homes and businesses installing solar power, we are beginning to tap into this vast potential and reap the benefits of cleaner air and water, and less reliance on dirty and dangerous energy sources.

“The biggest progress has occurred in states where local and state government leaders have shown a strong commitment to expanding solar. We look forward to working with our local, state and federal leaders to make solar a vital piece of our nation’s energy policy, and to accelerate the environmental and economic benefits we will get with more solar powering and heating our homes and businesses.”