The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that 2010 was "a banner year...with the industry’s total market value growing 67 percent from $3.6 billion in 2009 to $6.0 billion."
SEIA says "In total, 878 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 78 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) were installed in the U.S. in 2010."
However, when you look at what states are solar 'hot spots', you see California not unexpectedly leading the pack with 27% of the installed capacity and Florida at 12%. But coming in at #2 with 14% is New Jersey. New Jersey?!?! What's going on there? And Pennsylvania at 5%. Not your stereotypical sunbelt states.
Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado are all tied with 6%. Seems like we have room to grow, given our 350 days of sunshine per year. [right, installed solar capacity. Credit SEIA]