US solar energy statistics

United States has experienced rapid growth of solar power industry in the last couple of years but still solar power accounts for less than 1 percent of United States electricity use.

The largest solar power installation in United States (and also in the world) is the Solar Energy Generating Systems facility in California, with a total capacity of 354 megawatts (MW).

Solar power is very popular renewable energy option in US with 75% of Americans wanting to see more solar power plants developed on public lands.

In 2009, US solar energy industry experienced growth of 37%.

In 2009, domestic manufacturing of solar power technologies in US increased by 7%.

California leads the way in installed solar capacity in US with 1,102 MW. The second ranked is the state of New Jersey that is far behind with 128 MW.

If we look at the watts per capita numbers we can see that Nevada is the nation's leader with 37.8 watts per capita of solar capacity, followed by California with 29,8, and Hawaii with 20,9.

At the end of 2009 the total installed solar power capacity in US was enough to supply more than 350,000 US homes.

In 2009, solar energy industry accounted for more than 17,000 new green jobs in United States.

US currently produces less than 5% of world's solar cells.

By the year 2020, given current trend of growth and government's support, US solar power industry should account for more than 200,000 new green jobs.

The United States is currently the third largest photovoltaic market, behind Germany and Italy.