In 2011, American renewable energy investment in solar and wind technologies dominated the global market and put the U.S. in the top leadership position, according to Ernst & Young's last quarterly Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (CAI).

Ernst & Young also released its United States Renewable Attractiveness Indices benchmarking the state investments that propelled the U.S. into first place. The State Attractiveness Indices data looks at specific states and regions on a microscopic level to understand what they are doing with renewable energy development and infrastructure.

The State Attractiveness Indices uncovered new national leaders in energy infrastructure. (Credit: Earnst & Young LLP)

Despite uncertain macroeconomic conditions, renewable energy - particularly in states like Massachusetts, Colorado, Texas, California and Hawaii - renewable energy is positioned favorably to benefit from future investments, the report notes.

Not surprisingly, California dominated the All Renewables Index, but states like Colorado, New Mexico, Massachusetts and Texas who ranked in the top five, demonstrate a commitment to growing energy infrastructures across the nation.

According to the report, New Mexico and Colorado came in second and third respectively in the "All Renewable Index" because of consistent growth and strong potential across all renewable energy technologies. Massachusetts and Texas tied for fifth with a strong draw for solar and wind investment, respectively.

"Massachusetts, for example, is a top-five solar market due to a multitude of state-level initiatives, even though it is not the sunniest market," said Michael Bernier, Senior Manager, National Tax, Ernst & Young LLP. "Like Colorado, Massachusetts is building up its research and development in addition to its manufacturing facilities. These factors make renewable energy development in these states possible and further investment probable."fierceenergy.com