The United States has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 5 million solar installations, marking a crucial shift towards clean energy. This data was released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, highlighting the rapid growth of solar energy adoption in the country.
It took just eight years for the US to reach 5 million solar installations after achieving its first million in 2016. This achievement is a stark contrast to the four decades it took to reach the initial milestone since the first grid-connected solar project in 1973. The increasing trend in solar installations is evident, with more than half of all US solar installations coming online since the beginning of 2020, and over 25% activated in the past 20 months since the Inflation Reduction Act was implemented.
The US solar market was valued at billion in 2023, showcasing the significant economic impact of solar installations in the country. SEIA’s president and CEO, Abigail Ross Hopper, stated that solar is quickly becoming the dominant source of electricity on the grid, promoting cleaner air and healthier lives for communities across America.
Forecasts from SEIA project a doubling of solar installations to 10 million by 2030 and tripling to 15 million by 2034, indicating continued robust growth in the solar energy sector. Residential solar installations make up 97% of all installations in the US, with the sector consistently setting new records for annual installations in recent years. This growth is driven by the value of solar as an investment for homeowners seeking to manage their energy costs effectively.
While California leads with 2 million solar installations, other states are experiencing rapid growth in solar adoption. States like Illinois and Florida have seen significant increases in solar installations, with several others expected to surpass 100,000 installations by 2030.
Overall, the US has enough solar capacity to cover every residential rooftop in states like Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. This trend towards solar energy adoption is expected to continue, with solar installations becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable energy solution for homes and businesses nationwide.
