By Ehren Goossens | Bloomberg
U.S. solar panel installations grew 76 percent in 2012 to 3.3 gigawatts, representing a tenth of the global market, led by large-scale projects in the desert southwest, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
In 2013, photovoltaic installations are expected to grow 29 percent to reach 4.3 gigawatts along with 946 megawatts of concentrating solar thermal power, which uses mirrors to focus the sun’s energy to drive generators, the Washington-based trade group forecast today in a statement. SEIA said Dec. 11 it had expected installations to grow to 4 gigawats this year.
Last year was led by the first “really large utility-scale projects coming online,” eight of the ten largest, Shayle Kann, vice president of research at GTM Research, said in an interview. The Boston-based consulting company collaborated with SEIA on the quarterly solar report.
Installations in the fourth quarter accounted for about two-fifths of the year’s total, in part driven by developers racing to qualify for expiring incentives, according to SEIA.
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NEWS RELEASE
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today celebrated news that Arizona ranks 2nd nationally in terms of solar installation, according to the 2012 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Even more impressive, more utility-scale solar technology was installed in Arizona over the last year than in any other state.
The annual SEIA report shows a striking increase in photovoltaic (PV) system installations in Arizona, growing from 273 megawatts worth of power installed in 2011 to 710 megawatts in 2012. Arizona now has edged out New Jersey for the number two slot, and trails only California in solar production.
“One thing is for sure: Arizona has earned its title as our nation’s ‘Solar Capital,’” said Governor Brewer. “Thanks to our pro-business policies, year-round sunshine and highly-trained workforce, Arizona continues to climb as a national and global leader in solar manufacturing and technology. Today’s report is cause for celebration.”
Nationally, solar installation grew by 76 percent over the last year. There are now more than 300,000 operational PV systems throughout the country, and the SEIA forecasts continued growth in 2013. Notably, the United States installed 11% of all global solar systems in 2012 – our country’s highest market share in at least 15 years, according to the report.
Arizona is presently working on three major utility-scale projects. Agua Caliente Solar, near Yuma, is currently generating 250 megawatts. When completed in 2014, it will be the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the world at 290 megawatts. Mesquite Solar PV complex, west of Phoenix, is expected to generate 150 megawatts by later this year, and could expand to 700 megawatts upon completion.
Finally, Solana Generating Station, near Gila Bend, will be completed in 2013. Once fully operational, the 280-megawatt project will be one of the largest concentrating solar power systems in the world.
If you’d like to discuss energy issues, contact Court Rich, Co-Chair of Rose Law Group’s Renewable Energy Department at crich@roselawgroup.com
