Nevada’s Hamilton Solar, No. 101 on the 2013 Top 250 Solar Contractors list, was founded in 2009. It has since grown to nearly 60 employees, installing 12 MW of solar. Here, one of its installers works on a project.

Solar Power World, the industry’s leading source for technology, development and installation news, has released the 2013 Top 250 Solar Contractors list. The list ranks applicants according to influence in the residential, commercial and utility solar-installation markets.

The Solar Power World Top 250 Solar Contractors list represents companies that have installed more than 7.8 GW of solar capacity combined — 3 GW in 2012 — and employ 73,000 people. The Top 250 Solar Contractors list highlights the accomplishment of contractors across the United States, while also showing how they stack up against one another according to megawatts installed in 2012.

“Whether it’s a global enterprise or a family-run business, the 250 companies on our list are chasing after the bright future of solar,” says Frank Andorka, editorial director at Solar Power World. “These contractors have worked hard to build an $11-billion industry, and this is the recognition they deserve.”

The list builds on last year’s version, which featured 100 companies. Leading the list again is Arizona-based First Solar, which installed 763 MW in 2012 and employs 5,200 people. Newcomers include Astrum Solar, No. 36, a Maryland-based contractor that installed 12 MW, and AMECO Solar, which ranked No. 250.

All contractors will be honored at an invitation-only event on Oct. 21, 2013, during the Solar Power International exhibition in Chicago. The Solar Power World Top 250 Solar Contractors list is available here.