A recent report published by GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) revealed that the United States added 3.3 gigawatts of solar power capacity in 2012 – growing 76 percent from the previous year. Then, in a March 21 interview with Bloomberg, Arno Harris, the CEO of Sharp Corporation’s Recurrent Energy unit, made the bold claim that this particular type of electricity will be the second-biggest source of power in the country in 2013, with gas taking the number one spot.

The source states that part of the reason for this potential surge in solar energy solutions is that the cost of installing the panels has dropped considerably over the past few years. Bloomberg New Energy Finance data from 2012 showed, for example, that the price-per-watt cost of solar energy decreased 50 percent between 2008 to 2009.

“Solar has clearly landed in a place where it’s a very bankable asset class and is widely accepted and sought after,” Harris said. “It’s going to follow the same path that other asset classes have followed, which is now a move to public capital markets.”

According to Forbes, there are some huge solar projects currently in development across the United States. In fact, nine out of 10 of the most significant worldwide initiatives underway are happening on American soil – an indication of what’s to come in the next few years.

It’s great to see that people continue to understand and appreciate the benefits of solar. If you live in the Bay Area and you’re interested in learning more about residential solar energy solutions, you may want to consider contacting West Coast Solar to see which options are available for you. Not only is this eco-friendly upgrade good for the environment, but it will also save you money each month on your utility bills.