Solar energy installations continue to be one of the few bright spots in the construction industry outlook for America. Rhone Resch of the Solar Energy Industries Association states “Residential installations grew from 78 megawatts in 2008 to 156 megawatts in 2009.” A megawatt can power about 1000 homes (since the average home uses 10,000 kwhrs of electricity per year and there are roughly 10,000 hours per year). The commercial installations are even more exciting.

The list of photovoltaic power stations shows that Europe is far ahead of America in solar installations. The recent tax law changes in America, however, seem to be creating a boom of solar planning and installations soon to be built.

The states that have legislated a certain percentage of electricity be produced from renewable energy seem to be leading the boom. For example, California now requires 20% renewable energy electricity and increases that requirement to 33% by 2020. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, will require about 80 times more solar energy in the grid from 2009 to 2020. These are huge investments that will need to be made.

If you think this market may suit you, hop on the internet and start researching. Remember, where you are 5 years from now depends partly on the decisions you make today.