Report: U.S. solar market remains on track for a record-breaking year
A report released this week by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) detailed why the United States remains on track for a record-breaking solar market year in 2015.
According to the SEIA, more than 1,361 MWdc of solar was installed in the U.S. in Q3 2015, which makes the total 4.1 GWdc for the year 2015 through the first three quarters. This most recent quarter analyzed — Q3 2015 — also marked the eight straight quarter of at least 1 GWdc of solar additions.
Other takeaways from the SEIA’s third quarter (Q3) 2015 Solar Market Insight report:
- More than half of U.S. states now have more than 50 MWdc of cumulative solar installed.
- Between Q4 2015 and Q4 2016, cumulative, nationwide installations could come close to doubling.
- Last year, 2014, was the largest year ever for concentrating solar power.
One million installations
Early next year, the SEIA said, the millionth solar installation will begin operation in the U.S. — a major milestone for the country.
The country is close to another milestone, as well, the SEI noted. Soon, more than 1 percent of all electricity generated in the U.S. will come from solar sources.
See also: Solar capacity expected to grow more than 100% from 2014 to 2016
A nearly 20 percent increase in 2015
All told, the SEI expects 2015 to be a record year for the U.S. solar market. Overall, solar installations could end up being 19 percent higher than the previous year.
Source → Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)