The SEIA/Greentech Media U.S. Solar Market Insight Report released Thursday finds the United States returning to global pre-eminence in solar adoption. Looking at the big picture, two numbers shout from the mountaintops: 11% of global PV installations occurred in the United States, earning the country its greatest share of the world’s install market in at least fifteen years. And behind this is an immense 76% increase in U.S. PV installations between 2011 and 2012.

Put another way, if you count to 1, two panels have been installed somewhere in America, according to SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch.

Of course, in that same passing second, there’s a ton of money continuing to be spent on fossil fuel utility energy. But ten years ago it was difficult to imagine what a truly scalable solar industry would look like, and now it has a distinct shape and economic value. Solar’s growth into something whose progress can be counted in seconds is indicative of real momentum. In other words, keep counting.

Drilling down a bit, here’s what we find interesting in the report:

3^rd party owned or leased systems, or lackethereof : More than 90% of all residential systems installed in Arizona during in Q4 were lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) systems. Still, 28 states still have no 3^rd party options to speak of. Taking these two stats together, one would imagine that what’s growing in popularity now in 22 states would have similar appeal in the other 28. Top 10 solar states like North Carolina and New Mexico are halfway there, installing lots of large scale cash projects, but are still missing out on the scalable job growth and economic benefit of letting their citizens buy electricity the same way they can purchase cars.

If you can make it in New York…: The Empire State’s place in the top ten for 2012 appears to be just the beginning. With 60 Megawatts installed in 2012, and Governor Cuomo’s commitment to 10 more years of the NY Sun program, an enduring market place is taking shape. SolarCity felt this growth firsthand, as we opened an expanded operations center in Albany, and launched our residential business on Long Island.

Ohio’s potential: SolarCity landed in the Buckeye state just last week, announcing projects at 12 Walmarts and Sam’s Clubs. The state ranks fourth nationally in potential solar production (a 30,000 foot level stat estimating solar capacity if every available rooftop were covered in PV)  at 27 gigawatts.

It’s exciting to bring solar energy to new places, and following today’s announcement of projects at twelve Walmart retail locations across Ohio, we’re thrilled to be on the ground in the Buckeye state.

The announcement finds Walmart adding to the more than 100 solar projects it has completed with SolarCity, with previous projects announced in Arizona, California, and Colorado. Last year the company took the number one ranking in the Solar Energy Industries Association’s list of the Top Commercial Solar Customers in the United States.

Robert Bowen at the Examiner captures not only the impact, but the symbolism:

“A retailer with such high visibility as Walmart does a lot to convince the public that solar energy and all renewable energy makes sense—economically and for our planet.”

He also succinctly captures the value of our work in the public sector which ,like our work with Walmart, often offers the opportunity to complete dozens of projects for a single customer:

“SolarCity has been active in many high profile solar projects including public/private projects with school districts, libraries, military housing, and other projects that will save the taxpayer money as well as eliminate tons of greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere.”

…you land that most coveted of new media real estate: Google Streeview! This one’s from Maryland, where we have an operations center (in Beltsville), and have completed nearly 1400 solar projects.

Let us know if you see us elsewhere, and for your weekend enjoyment, here’s a slideshow of funnier and more bizarre happenings caught by the Googlecam.

Fuel efficiency shouldn’t end when you park your car in the garage. Today we’re happy to unveil a new partnership with Honda. We’ve teamed up with the popular automaker to create a $65 million investment fund to offer millions of Honda and Acura drivers a special offer to switch to clean solar energy and get a new, lower monthly energy bill.

The conversations between our companies that led to this day started because of two specific Honda models, the Fit EV and Accord Plug-in Hybrid. Discussions about how to charge Honda’s with electric power stations quickly broadened into a conversation about clean energy, which both companies have been addressing from different angles.

It wasn’t long before we both realized that solar energy should be as normal as having a Honda parked in the garage. There was a 44% increase in U.S. solar power between the third quarter of 2011 and 2012, but the infinite energy source of the sun still accounts for only a very small percentage of the nation’s power supply. Look out your window and you might see a lot of rooftops that could be harnessing the sun’s energy.

Through this fund, we’ll help current and future Honda owners take control of their energy by switching to solar power. With solar on your roof, you generate your own electricity and control your energy costs for years to come.
We will also be working with Honda to offer its network of Honda and Acura  dealerships the opportunity to install solar and advance a company-wide goal of being a leading citizen in the sustainable community – all while saving money on their energy costs.

As Honda Vice President Steve Center says, “Solar is a win-win”. If you’re a current Honda owner, you can take advantage of a 10 minute consultation and learn whether or not solar power is a good fit for your home by clicking on this link.

Knowing what goes into any contract is important. The last time you didn’t read the fine print before signing something, you probably ended up with an inbox full of spam.

In the case of solar, we’re talking about something that’s going to be with you for years. And that’s why you’ve got to be sure that the contract you sign has your best interests at heart.

That’s why, today, SolarCity is publishing our residential solar contracts. We’re proud of them, and have worked hard to make the contracts transparent and fair for consumers. These contracts have been more scrutinized than a bottle of kombucha in a TSA security line.

And because a contract is by nature a fairly dense document, we’re pairing it with a simpler, more friendly infographic: Top 5 Solar Contract Tips. Most solar contracts will have their own wrinkles, but these five things should be present in every contract, no matter what.

Tell us what you think!