Energy Information Administration (2016). State Energy Data System: Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Energy | Country: USA | Indicator: Photovoltaic and solar thermal energy total end-use consumption. | Units: Btu (000000000), 1960-2013. Data-Planet™ Statistical Ready Reference by Conquest Systems, Inc. [Data-file]. Dataset-ID: 004-012-049. Dataset: Reports estimates of the consumption of photovoltaic and solar thermal energy and electricity production from these sources for the United States as a whole and for individual states and Washington, DC, as available. Photovoltaic energy is direct-current electricity generated from photovoltaic cells. Solar energy is the radiant energy of the sun, which can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or electricity. The State Energy Data System (SEDS) is maintained and operated by the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA). The goal in maintaining SEDS is to create historical time series of energy production, consumption, prices, and expenditures by state that are defined as consistently as possible over time and across sectors. SEDS is used primarily to provide (1) state energy production, consumption, price, and expenditure estimates to Members of Congress, federal and state agencies, and the general public; and (2) the historical time series necessary to develop EIA’s energy models. Efforts are made to ensure that the sums of the state estimates equal the national totals as closely as possible for each energy type and end-use sector as published in other EIA publications. SEDS state energy consumption estimates are generally comparable to the statistics in EIA's Annual Energy Review and Monthly Energy Review consumption tables. Although SEDS incorporates the most consistent series and procedures possible, users of this report should recognize the limitations of the data that are due to changing and inadequate data sources. See the technical documentation for information on data inconsistencies. Category: Energy Resources and Industries Source: Energy Information Administration The Energy Information Administration (EIA), created by Congress in 1977, is an independent statistical and analytical agency within the United States Department of Energy. Its mission is to provide policy-independent data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment. http://www.eia.doe.gov/ Subject: Fuel Consumption, Solar Energy, Electricity, Energy Consumption, Renewable Energy