In contrast to overall U.S. GDP growth of 3 percent in 2010, the domestic solar sector had a banner year, increasing by 67 percent, to $6 billion, a new Solar Energy Industries Association study concluded.

New York dropped out of the top 10 solar-installing states in 2010, underscoring the lack of a state energy plan.Sixteen states each installed more than 10 MW of photovoltaics (PV) in 2010, up from only four in 2007. The top 10 states for PV installation in 2010 were: California, New Jersey, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.

Unfortunately, New York -- which ranked seventh in 2009 and sixth in 2008 -- fell out of the top ten list entirely in 2011, underscoring the state's lack of an energy plan and a real agenda for solar energy.

To help boost prospects for this renewable energy industry and the jobs it produces, the New York League of Conservation Voters is working hard for passage of the New York State Solar Energy and Jobs Act. It would require all electric utilities and electricity providers to purchase competitively increasing increments of solar power produced in-state.

This legislation is also a key part of the NYLCV Education Fund's 2011 State Policy Agenda. 

In total, 878 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 78 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) were installed nationwide last year, enough to power roughly 200,000 homes. This expansion was driven by the Federal section 1603 Treasury program, completion of significant utility-scale projects, expansion of new state markets and declining technology costs. Originally set to expire at the end of 2010, the 1603 Treasury program has been extended through 2011.  

Click here for the full SEIA report.