For decades, home solar systems were a great idea that fell short of economic viability, an indulgence only a select few could afford. But today, the U.S. residential solar market is enjoying unprecedented growth. It saw a second straight quarter of record expansion in Q2 2015, according to the U.S. Solar Market Insight report released in September by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
The report highlights several significant residential solar milestones. Residential installations in the second quarter topped the first quarter by 6 percent and were 70 percent higher than the second quarter of 2014. California installations account for 49 percent of the residential solar power market, but more states are entering the field. Ten states each installed more than 10 megawatts (MW) of residential solar, a significant milestone, according to the report. (On average, 1 MW of solar power produces enough energy for 164 U.S. homes.)
Here are three key factors driving the residential solar power boom.