US solar industry may double capacity this year

USA Today:

The U.S. solar industry grew significantly in the first half of 2010 and is on track to double the amount of power it generates by year's end, an industry report says Tuesday.

Solar power could reach a major milestone in the United States this year by generating more than one gigawatt of electricity -- enough to power 200,000 homes, according to the report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research. The research projects the 2010 total will fall between 944 megawatts and 1.13 gigawatts, up from 441 megawatts in 2009.

"Solar energy is now the fastest growing energy source in the United States," Rhone Resch, SEIA's president and CEO, said Tuesday during the opening session of the Solar Power International 2010 conference in Los Angeles.

California installed the most solar electric capacity in the first six months of this year, followed by New Jersey, Arizona and Florida. A total of 341 megawatts was installed nationwide, but the report expects a stronger second half for 2010 because of projects slated for completion.

"First half solar installations grew beyond expectations as a result of declining prices, continued government support and improving financial conditions." said Shayle Kann at GTM Research, a Greentech Media company. "In spite of continued macroeconomic woes, the U.S. solar industry is on track to have a record year in 2010 for both installations and manufacturing."

The U.S. solar industry has grown dramatically in recent years, and an industry report Tuesday projects a doubling of annual capacity by year's end. The vast majority of its electricity comes via photovoltaic or PV panels, but some also comes from concentrating solar panel (CSP) installations.