Georgia’s 225-percent increase in jobs related to the solar-energy industry is the highest in the nation as it plays catch-up to other states.

The jump comes largely from a combination of prices and Georgia Power’s program to add solar-generating capacity, according to Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The national trade group credits falling prices for solar panels and a 12.8 percent annual boost in the state’s average electricity rate, which is double the national average. Those prices changes are prompting more customers to consider installing solar panels on their own property, he said.

At the same time, Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility, is in the midst of its Advanced Solar Initiative in which it is contracting with solar companies to produce power. Earlier this month, it got 1,204 applications for contracts to build 200 medium-scale projects the utility.

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