Photovoltaic (PV) installations in the U.S. reached 930 megawatts (MW) in Q3 2013, up 20% over Q2 2013 and 35% over Q3 2012, according to the U.S. Solar Market Insight report. This increase represents the second largest quarter in the history of the U.S. solar market and the largest quarter ever for residential PV installations. It is likely that 2013 will be the first time in more than 15 years that the U.S. installs more solar capacity than world leader Germany.
While the residential market continued its rapid growth, with installations up 45% year-over-year, the commercial market has seen the most difficulty this year with installations forecasted to stay flat over last year.
Other key report findings:
- While the utility solar sector represented more than half of new PV capacity installed in Q3 2013, the residential market showed impressive growth and posted the segment’s largest quarter in history with 186 MW installed
- The non-residential market remains flat; however, researchers expect a strong resumption of growth in 2014
- Blended average PV system prices fell 4.2% in Q3 2013 compared to the previous quarter, reaching a new low of $3.00/W
- Researchers forecast that the U.S. will install a total of 4.3 GW of new PV in 2013, up 27% over 2012
The full report can be found on the Solar Energy Industries Association website.
