US Solar Energy Industry Experiences Record-Breaking Growth in 2010

WASHINGTON and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. solar energy industry had a banner year in 2010 with the industry's total market value growing 67 percent from $3.6 billion in 2009 to $6.0 billion in 2010, according to the U.S. Solar Market Insight™: Year-in-Review 2010 released today by the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) and GTM Research. Solar was a bright spot in the U.S. economy last year as the fastest growing energy sector, contrasting overall U.S. GDP growth of less than 3 percent.

In total, 878 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 78 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) were installed in the U.S. in 2010, enough to power roughly 200,000 homes. In addition, more than 65,000 homes and businesses added solar water heating (SWH) or solar pool heating (SPH) systems.

The U.S. PV market made the most significant strides in 2010, more than doubling installation totals from 2009. This expansion was driven by the Federal section 1603 Treasury program, completion of significant utility-scale projects, expansion of new state markets and declining technology costs.

"The U.S. PV market saw a breakthrough in 2010 and is emerging as a global demand center for both suppliers and project developers," said Shayle Kann, Managing Director of Solar at GTM Research. "The U.S. Solar Market Insight™: Year-in-Review 2010 examines the conditions that led to the past year's growth and pinpoints future demand, industry trends and market challenges for 2011 and beyond."

"This report shows that solar energy is now one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, creating new opportunities for both large and small businesses. Every day, Americans across the country are going to work at well-paying, stable jobs at solar companies, from small installers all the way up to Fortune 500 companies," said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. "This remarkable growth puts the solar industry's goal of powering 2 million homes annually by 2015 within reach. Achieving such amazing growth during the economic downturn shows that smart polices combined with American ingenuity adds up to a great return on investment for the public. The bottom line is that the solar energy industry is creating tens of thousands of new American jobs each year."

For Media Contacts and Executive Summary, please see the full release on the report.

SOURCE Solar Energy Industries Association