The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) just published their 2008 top ten list. According to their report, an estimated 342 megawatts of solar photovoltaic (PV) power were installed throughout the US in 2008, making it the third highest PV market in the world.
The SEIA also said that total PV capacity rose 17% to 8.775GW, with PV accounting for 27% of the United States’ total 1.265GW of solar power installations of all types.
Grid-tied PV installations increased by 18,000, growth of 27%, while PV manufacturing capacity increased 65% vs. 2007, and production rose 53%.
SEIA President and CEO, Rhone Resch, commented regarding the political support needed for more growth, “To continue growing, create jobs and meet President Obama’s renewable energy goals, we need smart federal policies, like a renewable portfolio standard designed to deploy solar resources. Today’s technology combined with the right policies will help us double U.S. solar production and move to a clean energy future.”
Adapted from information provided by: SEIA
