First Solar, Inc. (FSLR), SunPower Corporation (SPWR): Is Your State a Top Solar Energy Producer?

The top 10
The rest of the top 10 solar states includes Hawaii, where solar is driven by ultra-high electricity prices, and Texas, where the industry may have the most potential because of abundant solar resources.

1. California: 1,032.7 MW
2. Arizona: 710.3 MW
3. New Jersey: 414.0 MW
4. Nevada: 198 MW
5. North Carolina: 131.9 MW
6. Massachusetts: 128.9 MW
7. Hawaii: 108.7 MW
8. Maryland: 74.3 MW
9. Colorado: 69.9 MW
10. Texas: 64.1 MW

As the industry grows, the installations will rise, and it will be interesting to see who leads solar going forward.

What’s driving the future of solar?
The huge installation numbers last year were driven by First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) and SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR), but these utility-scale projects aren’t the future of solar. This year, we’ll see a transition to residential solar, where SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY) is a major player and SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWR) is starting to gain traction as well. As more residential and commercial solar is installed, the cost will come down, because companies become more efficient and the leading states will change. California, Hawaii, and New York will be states to watch in residential solar this year, because they have high energy costs and are perfect for residential solar.

How does your state fare in solar and what does the future look like? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

The article Is Your State a Top Solar Energy Producer? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium owns shares of Apple and SunPower and also has long January 2015 $5, $7, $15, and $25 calls on SunPower. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Apple.

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