This is the third of a series of posts about the CSI data. Please check here for the original posts with some background about the data.

Today's chart shows the rapid emergence of the 3rd party financing industry in the residential solar industry. Companies like SunRun, SolarCity and Sungevity as well as new entrants like Clean Power Finance and Sun Edison are making solar more accessible for a broader market. Since 2008, that part of the industry has grown by a factor of 10x. It’s a sure bet to assume that in 2012 and beyond, 3rd party owned systems will represent the majority of all installed residential solar systems in California. As long as banks find this asset class attractive, the residential financing sector will become a lot more competitive. Customers will benefit.

Happy Holidays!

This is the second of a series of posts about the CSI data. Please check here for the original posts with some background about the data. 

This week's graph shows the industry's development by sector. The main takeaway is that the residential industry has seen steady and health growth over the years since the start of the CSI program in 2007. Government and commercial industry revenues have been much more rocky over the years. The CSI data for these sectors might be less reliable, however, since many installations are likely to fall outside the CSI data.