U.S. Solar Installations Soar, While Domestic Production Lags

Most of the publicity regarding solar power in the U.S. in recent months has been negative, revolving on the demise of companies like Solyndra LLC and other domestic manufacturers who have not fared well. Of the five solar manufacturers that received 2009 stimulus funds, two have filed for bankruptcy.

Increasingly, foreign manufacturers, including China but also Western Europe have dropped their prices, helping to power a boom in domestic installations. ColarCity Corp., who finances and installs rooftop solar systems, states that "Most of the jobs are in delivery and they're long-term, permanent jobs".

In 2012, the U.S. is on pace to install 2,500 megawatts of solar power, the equivalent of two nuclear power plants, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Additionally, the cost per watt of solar power is increasingly competitive with that of fossil fuels, which can only help cut greenhouse gas emissions and help fight climate change.