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 yearend 2008, the U.S. had about 8,800 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity. This included about 1,100 MW of photovoltaics (PV), 418 MW of utility-scale concentrating solar power, at least 485 MWTh (megawatts thermal equivalent) of solar water heating systems and over 7,000 MWTh of solar pool heating systems.
Ranking of U.S. Market The U.S. ranks fourth in the world for cumulative installed solar electric power. Germany (with solar resources similar to Alaska) is first, Spain is second, and Japan is third.
Growth of U.S. Market
More than 18,000 individual PV systems were installed in 2008. These additions totaled 342 MW, of that 292 MW was grid-connected, an 81 percent increase over 2007 grid-tied capacity additions. In additon to electric capacity, the U.S. added an estimated 139 MWTh of solar water heating capacity in 2008, a 50 percent increase over 2007 capacity additions.
Growth of U.S. Manufacturing
In 2008 domestic PV cell manufacturing capacity grew 65 percent to 685 MW and production grew 53 percent to 414 MW. (Results preliminary) (Source: Greentech Media Research and the Prometheus Institute)
For more on what happened in the U.S. solar industry in 2008, read SEIA's "US Solar Industry Year in Review 2008" and the supplemental charts.
Looking for more data? Send your request to Monique Hanis.
