The U.S. installed a record amount of solar capacity in 2012, according to the industry's main trade group.

The Solar Energy Industries Association said 3,313 megawatts of photovoltaic solar panels were installed last year. That represents a 76% jump from 2011 which had set its own record.

The value of the U.S. solar market in 2012 was $11.5 billion--up from $8.6 billion in 2011, the report estimated.

U.S. demand in 2012 accounted for about 11% of global demand for photovoltaic solar panels--the highest in at least 15 years, according to the report which was compiled jointly by the trade group and GTM Research.

Much of the growth was fueled by large utility-scale solar projects--a pace that may not continue in coming years as utilities satisfy state renewable-energy requirements.

The report found that residential installations also grew steadily reaching 488 megawatts in 2012. It forecast installations in the residential and commercial markets will continue to grow year on year fueling "consistent, albeit more moderate, market growth."
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