U.S. Solar Grew 76% in 2012 Led by Utility-Scale Projects

Bloomberg Businessweek

U.S. solar panel installations grew 76 percent in 2012 to 3.3 gigawatts, representing a tenth of the global market, led by large-scale projects in the desert southwest, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

In 2013, photovoltaic installations are expected to grow 29 percent to reach 4.3 gigawatts along with 946 megawatts of concentrating solar thermal power, which uses mirrors to focus the sun’s energy to drive generators, the Washington-based trade group forecast today in a statement. SEIA said Dec. 11 it had expected installations to grow to 4 gigawats this year.