The latest data released by the Nation Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have Pennsylvania moving up the charts. The state has rocketed to third in the nation in terms of the number of current operating solar installation and fourth terms of total installed solar energy capacity.

NREL’s figures show the state as having close to 2,500 operating projects within its borders, which puts it behind only California and New Jersey in the entire country. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger says the number is likely higher given that the NREL’s data is based on voluntary numbers. Hanger estimates the state has over 3,000 operating projects.

As it stands, the 2,434 projects accounted for a total of 38.5 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity. Together, at maximum output, the solar energy systems produce enough power for 5,800 average American homes each year. That puts Pennsylvania in the top five in the nation for solar. Governor Ed Rendell’s goal was to reach this point by 2011.

There are several reasons why Pennsylvania has been successful in its solar push. One of those is the PA Sunshine Rebate Program, an incentive program that began in 2009 and has a lifetime budget of $100 million. The program aims provides per-watt solar rebates to Pennsylvania homeowners — and businesses — who install solar panels. To date, the state has dispersed some $94 million in solar incentives through the Sunshine Rebate, funding 4,855 solar electric and hot water projects.

All of these projects need workers to complete them, and Pennsylvania is seeing high returns in this area as well. The Keystone State has 6,700 of its residents working in the solar jobs sector, second only to California. With 600 state businesses currently working on installing solar energy systems — with and a total of 130 MW of solar energy set to be installed in Pennsylvania by the end of 2011 — expect that number to rise.