U.S. solar energy markets resumed advancing in the third quarter as more than 27,000 homes and businesses capitalized on the alternate energy source, according to a news release.

The Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research announced third quarter results for non-residential photovoltaic installation were 38 percent larger than that for the second quarter. They also announced the industry will continue growing as a result of average system costs decreasing.

"The third quarter, and this year as a whole, has been a banner year for photovoltaic in the U.S.," according to Shayle Kann, GTM Research's Managing Director of Solar.

In order, California, New Jersey, Florida, Arizona and Colorado were the leaders for solar electric installation during the third quarter.

The companies were pleased to receive confirmation of how strong the industry was in 2010 and said they look for to building on those accomplishments next years.

"This report for the third quarter shows what many of us already suspected: that 2010 will be a historic year for solar energy in the United States." according to Rhone Resch, president and chief operating officer of The Solar Energy Industries Association. "And the promise for 2011 is even greater."