REUTERS/Mike Blake/File PhotoJune 8 (Reuters) - U.S. solar energy installations soared 47% in the first quarter, according to an industry report published on Thursday, as easing panel supplies alleviated industry gridlock and allowed many stalled big projects to be completed and connected to the grid. The solar industry had its best first quarter ever, installing 6.1 gigawatts (GW), an analysis by research firm Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) trade group found. As a result of the strong quarter, SEIA raised its forecast for the year slightly to 29 GW from 28.4 GW. The report said 12 GW of solar modules were imported in the first quarter compared with 29 GW in all of 2022. The industry, however, is seeing a slowdown in many states due to economic uncertainty, SEIA said, and residential solar installations are only expected to rise 8% this year.

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Persons: Mike Blake, Wood Mackenzie, SEIA, Joe Biden's, Nichola, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Hanover Olympic, REUTERS, Solar Energy Industries Association, Homeowners, Thomson Locations: Hanover, Los Angeles , California, U.S, Florida, California