There’s lots of positive news going on in the solar power industry these days, with the number of solar panel installations increasing 76 percent from 2011 to 2012 and the state of California, in particular, continuing to pursue new solar opportunities. SmartPlanet recently suggested that this momentum has bumped it up from an immaterial job creator to a real economic driver.

According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Energy Infrastructure Update, solar has been responsible for an impressive 537 megawatts of power since the beginning of 2013, falling behind wind’s 958 megawatts, but rising above natural gas and oil. This is twice as much solar capacity as was reported in the first quarter of 2012, says SmartPlanet. March in particular was a special month for this renewable power solution, as the data reveals that it accounted for 100 percent of all new energy on the U.S. grid during that time, adding 44 megawatts.

“Since 2008, the amount of solar energy powering U.S. homes, businesses and military bases has grown by more than 600 percent according to the Solar Energy Industries Association,” writes U.S. News and World Report, noting that experts predict “solar will be the nation’s largest new source of energy over the next four years.”

The best way to invest in solar energy solutions is to get in touch with a company like West Coast Solar whose knowledgeable staff can take you step by step through a fully integrated construction process. We have an extensive background in the roofing industry and will take care of the entire installation to guarantee that you’re getting the best quality products and services. We’re also happy to answer any additional questions you have that may help inform this important decision.