Solar photovoltaic (PV) power installed grew in the US by 485% from 2010 to 2013. By early 2014, the United States had more than 480,000 solar systems installed (or 13.4 MW), which is enough to power around 2.4 million U.S. households. Small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems account for the majority of solar installations, while large-scale PV systems and concentrating solar power (CSP) systems make up the capacity. Prices are a big reason for the increase in installations * Rooftop PV system prices have declined heavily in recent years, dropping 29% from 2010 to 2013. * Reductions in technology prices, innovative financing, and growing networks of solar installers and financial partners are helping bring the cost down. * Tax credits, rebates, and other support in leading states can cut the total costs of a rooftop system to under 10,000 * Increasing numbers of solar customers are paying little or nothing up front by utilizing solar leases or power purchase agreements, which provide electricity from the system over a long period at attractive fixed rates. * In fact, costs for large-scale PV projects have dropped more than household systems, to an average 60% lower than those for residential solar on a per-watt basis. Another reason for the growth is the amount of sunlight available for PV generation. It varies by less than 30% across most of the country, making solar power viable even in northern climates. View the entire article at the Union of Concerned Scientists website: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/solar-power-technologies-and-policies.html
