The Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors list includes Charleston based solar firm

More than 10,600 megawatts of solar power were installed last year in the United States, and local installer Alder Energy Systems has been recognized by Solar Power World magazine for its contributions to the industry. Alder Energy Systems has been listed as 199 out of 450 solar companies on the magazine's 2018 Top Solar Contractors list.

The Top Solar Contractors list was developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, them Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year. The 2018 list was released on July 24.

"Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors," said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. "Our 2017 list showed impressive installation numbers after 2016's huge rush to meet ITC requirements, and many companies were hesitant to show unavoidable installation dips after last year's high. We're happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets."

The U.S. solar market had its biggest year ever in 2016, installing more than 15,000 MW. Installations in 2017 were 10,608 MW growth over 2015 numbers.

A major highlight of 2017 was the non-residential market growing 28% year-over-year, the fourth straight year of annual growth for commercial, industrial and community solar. In 2017, 30% of all new electric generating capacity brought online in the United States came from solar, second only to new natural gas capacity.

The first quarter of 2018 showed a 13% growth over the first quarter of 2017, and Alder Energy Systems will continue to contribute to the wave of increasing solar generation. By 2023, more than 15,000 MW of solar is expected to be installed annually.