Massachusetts' solar production has increased nearly 10 times since the Commonwealth's governor was sworn into office in 2007, the Associated Press reports.

As Deval Patrick prepares for his second term, 33.3 megawatts of solar power-producing arrays are installed in the state he leads. When his governorship began, solar output in the state was at 3.3 megawatts. The secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs said Massachusetts' solar growth has been deliberate.

Solar capacities have been done "in a thoughtful and cost-efficient way," said Ian Bowles, who is leaving his position.

Despite all the progress, Patrick aspires to continue developing the solar energy industry. By 2017, he'd like to augment solar production to 250 megawatts, which would sustain more than 37,500 homes. His motive derives from two large-size incentives: expanding on the businesses of the industry and using energy that is clean and renewable.

Credit for solar's popularity is also attributable to incentive programs run by Massachusetts and the federal government. The Commonwealth Solar Stimulus uses $8 million in federal stimulus funding to assist companies with solar panels generating more than five kilowatts.

In 2007, when Patrick first took office, Massachusetts kicked off Commonwealth Solar, a rebate program for homeowners and small businesses that met its goal 21 months later.