U.S. Solar Energy Installations Soared by 109% in 2011

Mar 182012

New Report Finds U.S. Solar Energy Installations Soared by 109% in 2011 to 1,855 Megawatts

GTM Research and SEIA® release U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year-in-Review 2011, analyzing the industry’s record growth and what lies ahead in 2012 and beyond.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 14, 2012

The U.S. solar energy industry installed a record 1,855 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2011, more than doubling the previous annual record of 887 MW set in 2010, according to the latest U.S. Solar Market Insight report. The record amount of solar installations is enough to power more than 370,000 homes, and represents a 109 percent growth rate in 2011. It is the first time the U.S. solar market has topped one gigawatt (1,000 MW) in a single year. In the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, the industry installed 755 MW, up 115 percent from Q4 2010, for a second consecutive record-breaking quarter. GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) estimate the U.S. solar market’s total value surpassed $8.4 billion in 2011.

This unprecedented growth was spurred in part by declining installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system prices, which fell 20 percent last year on the back of lower component costs, improved installation efficiency, expanded financing options, and a shift toward larger systems nationwide. In addition, the anticipated expiration of the U.S. government’s 1603 Treasury Program, which ended Dec. 31, 2011, drove developers to commission projects before the end of the year.

The report also provides an update on the concentrating solar power (CSP) market. While no new concentrating solar thermal electric capacity was brought online in 2011, a total of 10 concentrating photovoltaic projects came online. The year also saw meaningful construction progress on a number of projects with some capacity expected to come online later in 2012 and a surge in 2013. Today, more than 1,000 MW of CSP are under construction, enough to power 200,000 homes.

As of year-end 2011, cumulative PV capacity in the U.S. reached nearly 4,000 MW and cumulative CSP capacity topped 500 MW. Together this represents enough solar capacity to power nearly a million households.

“In 2011, the market demonstrated why the U.S. is becoming a center of attention for global solar,” said Shayle Kann, Managing Director of GTM Research’s solar practice. “It was the first year with meaningful volumes of large-scale PV installations; there were 28 individual PV projects over 10 megawatts in 2011, up from only two in 2009. Furthermore, the market continued to diversify nationally; eight states installed more than 50 megawatts of solar each last year, compared to just five in 2010. These are all indicators of a vibrant market.”

The latest U.S. Solar Market Insight report found 800 MW were installed in the commercial sector in 2011, led by the California and New Jersey markets, compared to 758 MW of utility PV and 297 MW of residential installations. Utility-scale project installations, primarily across states in the Southwest, nearly tripled 2010 totals. In the residential sector, California installed 114 MW, with New Jersey, Arizona, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Colorado each contributing meaningfully to the residential total.

According to U.S. Solar Market Insight, 2012 will be another strong year for the PV industry, with installations of more than 2,800 megawatts forecasted. Beyond 2012, the report forecasts installations to continue their ascendancy at a compound annual growth rate of 30 percent through 2016.

“The solar industry is the fastest growing industry in America for the second year in a row. What we are seeing in the U.S. is that policies are working to open new markets and remove barriers for solar,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “The industry is now poised for years of multi-gigawatt growth and the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs. But we face a number of challenges that have the potential to slow this growth. That is why SEIA now coordinating the industry’s federal and state policy initiatives to present a unified, cohesive voice for the solar industry.”

A separate report on 2011 growth of U.S. solar heating and cooling technology is expected midyear.

2011 Q4 U.S. Solar Market Insight key report findings:

•PV installations grew 109 percent in 2011 to reach 1,855 MW, which represents 7 percent of all PV globally, up from 887 MW and 5 percent of global installations in 2010.

•Cumulative PV capacity operating in the U.S. now stands at 3,954 MW.

•There were 28 individual PV projects over 10 MW completed in 2011, up from only two in 2009.

•Eight states installed over 50 MW each in 2011.

•Installation totals in 2011 increased in 18 of the 23 states covered in detail.

•Weighted average PV system prices fell 20 percent in 2011 as a combined result of lower component prices, improved installation efficiency, and a shift toward larger systems.

•There were over 61,000 individual PV systems installed in the U.S. in 2011, bringing the total number of operating systems in the U.S. to more than 214,000.

About Solar Market Insight:
The U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year in Review 2011 report (http://www.greentechmedia.com/research/solarinsight) is the most detailed and timely research available on the continuing growth and opportunity in the U.S. The report includes analysis of photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies, identifying the key metrics that will help solar decision-makers navigate the market’s current and forecasted trajectory.

About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,100 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. http://www.seia.org

About GTM Research:
Greentech Media delivers research and analysis in the business-to-business greentech market. Using an integrated platform, we produce high quality products, whether it is industry news, market research or networking events. GTM Research, the research arm of the company, produces in-depth market reports and is the publisher of PV News, a monthly solar market tracker. Greentech Media is headquartered in Boston, MA, with operations in New York, NY, San Francisco, CA and Munich. For more information, visit http://www.greentechmedia.com.

Background Resources:
U.S. Solar Market Insight: 2011 Executive Summary: http://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/SMI-YIR-2011-ES.pdf

Info on purchasing the full U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year in Review 2011 report:http://www.seia.org/cs/research/SolarInsight

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9280185.htm

Environmentally Friendly Solar Power Systems

Solar Energy Australia, Solar Power Advantages and Disadvantages, Solar power electricity energy No Responses »

Dec 162011

Cost-Efficient and Environmentally

Friendly Solar Power Systems

By John Arthur

You can help in the world’s advocacy of developing sustainable and renewable energy. Do you know that saving cost and the environment can be done at our very own home and office? It is extremely easy to achieve this with the help of Trinity Electrical because they believe in this vision and offer a range of quality products and expert services that are not only cost-efficient alternatives, but are also environmentally friendly.

An Accredited Solar Power System Installer that Provides Excellent Products and Services

As an accredited provider of solar energy by the New South Wales Government (Industry & Investment NSW) and the Clean Energy Council, Trinity Electrical has been installing hundreds of residential and commercial solar energy units across Sydney. Do you know why it’s so important for a service provider to be accredited? It serves as an assurance that they have fulfilled the government’s rigorous accreditation procedure, which means they can do the job right.

The NSW Government – Industry & Investment NSW has granted Trinity Electrical an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) status and an accreditation across all four key categories, which permits Trinity Electrical to connect a home, business or other premises to the electricity distribution network. Aside from the ASP status, the Clean Energy Council also accredits them as an installer of solar PV power systems, which means that they have undergone the necessary professional training, follow the industry’s best practices, adhere to Australian standards, and routinely updates their skills and product knowledge.

Whether it’s a solar energy system for your office building or a home solar panel, they have solar power energy solutions that are perfect for both your residential and commercial properties. Their years of experience in this industry prove that quality, effective and affordable solar energy systems can easily be yours. With their team of fully trained and licensed electricians, you are sure to get the best service. You won’t only get sophisticated solar energy systems; you will also be assured of the following:

• A home solar panel that meets the requirements of your household activities

• A commercial solar system that caters to your business needs

• An eligibility for government rebates depending on the type of solar power system installed, such as Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), Solar Credits or Feed-in Tariff

What’s more, after they install your solar energy unit, they will provide you with a report that outlines an annual system output, predicted annual savings, maintenance schedules and more important information to help you keep a well-functioning solar panel.

Solar Power for a Better Environment

Installing a home solar panel is a great way to show a good example to your children and neighbours that you care enough for them by patronising eco-friendly alternatives for energy consumption. Having a commercial solar energy system installed in your business facilities does not only reduce your electricity expenses but also proves to your customers that your organisation is serious in its concern towards creating a better, greener environment.
About the Author:

Trinity Electrical is a family owned business run by Nick Nicolas, a qualified electrician operating in Sydney for over seven years. Nick owns and works in the business on a daily basis and has personally installed solar power system into more than 100 houses and commercial properties throughout NSW. He is joined in the business by a range of highly qualified individuals who take pride in allowing households and businesses throughout Sydney to shave money off their electrical bill whilst doing a great thing for the environment.

Articles Source: Cost-Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Solar Power Systems

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