California is the most populous state in the United States by far, so it makes sense that it should be the largest market for solar energy. GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association point out in their “U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year-in-Review 2012” that other very large states by population and gross domestic product were among the top ten solar markets, which also makes sense since each is among the largest consumers of energy overall.
With that analysis in mind, in specific “U.S. Solar Market Insight” shows:
At the state level, 2012 was another year for breaking records. California became the first state to install over 1,000 MW in one year, with growth across all market segments. Arizona came in as the second largest market, led by large-scale utility installations, while New Jersey experienced growth in the state’s non-residential market. The top 10 largest state solar markets in 2012 were:
- California – 1,033 2.
- Arizona – 710 3.
- New Jersey – 415 4.
- Nevada – 198 5.
- North Carolina – 132 6.
- Massachusetts – 129 7.
- Hawaii – 109 8.
- Maryland – 74 9.
- Texas – 64 10.
- New York – 60
MW of PV installed during 2012
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