Solar use in the U.S. expanded by 37%  in 2009 due largely because of state and federal incentive programs according to a Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) report.  This was the fourth year of record growth for the U.S. solar industry.  U.S solar growth was aided by the falling price of solar modules, which dropped 40% last year the SEIA report also noted.

“Despite the Recession of 2009, the U.S. solar industry had a winning year and posted strong growth numbers,” said Rhone Resch, president of SEIA.  “Consumers took notice that now is the best time to go solar,” he added.

“Government subsidies, cash grants and tax credits boosted activity in the sector pushing total industry revenue to $4 billion” the SEIA report said.

New U.S. solar electric capacity hit 481 megawatts last year, up from 351 megawatts in 2008.  One megawatt is enough to power 200 U.S homes.

The report also noted that solar water heating installation rose by 10% last year.