The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that 2009 was another year of strong growth in the industry despite the economic recession.

They report overall U.S. solar electric capacity, including both photovoltaic and concentrating solar power installations, increased by some 37 percent. This was driven primarily by strong demand in the residential and utility-scale markets, state and federal policy advances, and declining technology prices. As a result, total solar industry revenue reached 4 billion dollars, a 36 percent increase over 2008.

Pointing to the importance of the technology to reducing greenhouse gasses while helping to stimulate the economy, the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology Program accelerates the development of solar technologies as energy sources for the nation and world.

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