Industry Data
Today, solar energy represents less than 1 percent of the U.S. energy mix. However, as a result of growing awareness about reliable, off-the-shelf technology, concerns about rising costs, energy security and supplies, and new state and federal incentives, deployment of solar energy has exploded since 2005.
Key Data Points
Size of U.S. Market
At year end 2009, the U.S. had 2,108 megawatts (MW) of installed solar electric capacity. This included about 1,676 MW of photovoltaics (PV), 432 MW of utility-scale concentrating solar power, at least 24,000 MWTh (megawatts thermal equivalent) of solar water heating, cooling, and solar pool heating systems.
Ranking of U.S. Market The U.S. ranked fourth in the world for new solar electric installations. Germany (with solar resources similar to Alaska) was first, Italy was second, and Japan was third.
Employment in the U.S. Solar Industry
In 2009, the U.S. solar industry supported 17,000 new jobs. Total employment in the U.S. solar industry at the end of 2009 was 46,000. That number is likely to surpass 60,000 by the end of 2010.
For more on what happened in the U.S. solar industry in 2009, read SEIA's "US Solar Industry Year in Review 2009" and the supplemental charts.
Looking for more data? Send your request to Monique Hanis.
