U.S. Solar Industry Records Second Largest Quarter Ever

WASHINGTON, D.C. AND BOSTON, MA — GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association^® (SEIA^®) today released U.S. Solar Market Insight: 3^rd Quarter 2013, the definitive analysis of solar power markets in the U.S., with strategic state-specific data for 28 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

The U.S. installed 930 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaics (PV) in Q3 2013, up 20 percent over Q2 2013 and 35 percent over Q3 2012. This represents the second largest quarter in the history of the U.S. solar market and the largest quarter ever for residential PV installations. Even more importantly, 2013 is likely to be the first time in more than 15 years that the U.S. installs more solar capacity than world leader Germany, according to GTM Research forecasts.

Source: U.S. Solar Market Insight Q3 2013

“Without a doubt, 2013 will go down as a record-shattering year for the U.S. solar industry,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO.  “We’ve now joined Germany, China and Japan as worldwide leaders when it comes to the installation of new solar capacity. This unprecedented growth is helping to create thousands of American jobs, save money for U.S. consumers, and reduce pollution nationwide.  When it comes to preparing for America’s future, clean, dependable and affordable solar energy has become the “˜Little Engine That Could,’ defying expectations and powering economic growth – and, frankly, we’re just scratching the surface of our industry’s enormous potential.”

The residential market continues its rapid growth. Through Q3, residential PV installations were up 45 percent year-over-year, driven largely by increasingly attractive economics and by fair net metering policies.  The non-residential (commercial) market has seen the most difficulty this year with installations forecasted to stay flat over last year. The utility market continues its consistently strong installation numbers and is forecasted to exceed 1 gigawatt (GW) of installations in the fourth quarter, including Abengoa’s Solana, the world’s largest parabolic trough concentrating solar power (CSP) plant with a 6-hour thermal energy storage system. This will be the first time any individual market segment has hit that mark.

FIGURE: U.S. PV Installations by Market Segment, Q1 2010-Q3 2013

Source: U.S. Solar Market Insight Q3 2013

“Solar is the second-largest source of new electricity capacity in the U.S. this year, trailing only natural gas,” said Shayle Kann, vice president of research at GTM. “As solar continues its march toward ubiquity, the market will require continued innovation, efficiency improvement and regulatory clarity. But already the groundwork has been laid for a mainstream solar future.”

At the state-level, California continues to lead the solar PV charge, installing 455 MW in Q3. North Carolina moved into the number three spot in total PV installations with 23 percent growth over last quarter. Other movers and shakers on the state rankings list include Nevada (moving from 17 to 5) and Vermont (from 21 to 12)

Looking at the U.S. solar market on the whole, U.S. Solar Market Insight: 3^rd Quarter 2013 forecasts just over 5 GW of PV and CSP will be installed during 2013. Cumulative solar capacity has already surpassed the 10 GW mark, and by the end of the year more than 400,000 solar projects will be operating across the country.

Key Report Findings

• PV installations reached 930 MW in Q3 2013, up 20 percent over Q2 2013. This represents the second largest quarter for solar installations in U.S. history
• While the utility solar sector represented more than half of new PV capacity installed in Q3 2013, the residential market showed impressive growth and posted the segment’s largest quarter in history with 186 MW installed
• The non-residential market  remains flat; however, we expect a strong resumption of growth in 2014
• 2013 may be the first year in more than a decade in which the U.S. installs more solar capacity than Germany
• Blended average PV system prices fell 4.2 percent in Q3 2013 compared to the previous quarter, reaching a new low of $3.00/W
• We forecast that the U.S. will install a total of 4.3 GW of new PV in 2013, up 27 percent over 2012
• The 392 MW Ivanpah CSP project, one of the largest solar projects in the world, is scheduled to begin delivering electricity to the grid before the end of 2013

An Executive Summary of the U.S. Solar Market Insight report is available here, along with downloadable graphics. 

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About U.S. Solar Market Insight®:
U.S. Solar Market Insight® is a quarterly publication of the Solar Energy Industries Association^® (SEIA)® and GTM Research. Each quarter, we survey nearly 200 installers, manufacturers, utilities, and state agencies to collect granular data on photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar. These data provide the backbone of the U.S. Solar Market Insight® report, in which we identify and analyze trends in U.S. solar demand, manufacturing, and pricing by state and market segment. We also use this analysis to look forward and forecast demand over the next five years. As the U.S. solar market expands, we hope that U.S. Solar Market Insight® will provide an invaluable decision making tool for installers, suppliers, investors, policymakers and advocates alike. 

About GTM Research:
GTM Research, a division of Greentech Media, provides critical and timely market analysis in the form of research reports, data services, advisory services and strategic consulting. GTM Research’s analysis also underpins Greentech Media’s webinars and live events. Our coverage spans the green energy industry including solar power, smart grid, energy storage, energy efficiency and wind power sectors. www.gtmresearch.com

About SEIA^®:
Celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2014, the Solar Energy Industries Association^® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA^® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contacts:
Mike Munsell, GTM Research, Marketing Manager, munsell@gtmresearch.com
Shayle Kann, GTM Research, Vice President: (617) 500-4216, kann@gtmresearch.com
Ken Johnson, SEIA, Vice President of Communications: (202) 556-2885, kjohnson@seia.org