According to the latest findings in Environment America’s annual “Renewables on the Rise” report, A boom can be observed in solar power production during a decade. Solar is generating a staggering 12 times more electricity in 2023 than it did back in 2013.
In 2022, the United States achieved a milestone in its solar energy production. The U.S. generated solar power to meet the energy needs of approximately 19 million residential homeowners. This is a remarkable achievement in the country’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The momentum in the solar sector continued to surge through the first half of 2023. With the solar installation of over 153 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, solar energy production grew rapidly. This reflects a nationwide commitment to harnessing the power of the sun for electricity generation.
Also, the solar energy industry shows no signs of slowing down, with ambitious projections for 2023. An impressive 32 GW of new solar installations are anticipated. This represents a remarkable 52% growth compared to the total installations in 2022.
Some Predictions about Solar Power Generation Trend in the U.S.
In the first quarter of 2023, solar power played a prominent role in the growth of power generation capacity in the United States. According to insights from Wood Mackenzie, solar accounted for a substantial 54% of all new capacity additions during that period. This statistic highlights the growing dominance of solar energy in the country’s energy landscape.
Wood Mackenzie’s projections for the near future are equally optimistic. They anticipate that cumulative solar installations will more than double by 2028, reaching an impressive 375 gigawatts (GW). This prediction reflects the ongoing momentum behind the adoption of solar power. Also, this reflects its pivotal role in the nation’s quest for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Furthermore, FERC’s projections indicate that there will be more than 83 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity additions classified as “high probability” expected to be realized by August 2026.
Moreover, Energy storage is really important for dealing with the on-and-off nature of renewable energy. By the end of 2022, the United States had an impressive 8.9 gigawatts (GW) of battery energy storage capacity. The growth in energy storage was particularly striking, with an astounding 85% year-over-year expansion from 2021 to 2022.
Final Words:
The rapid growth of renewable energy, particularly solar power, in the United States shows the nation’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable power sources. The progress in solar power generation, alongside the rise of other renewables, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency measures, signifies a promising shift towards a greener, more resilient energy landscape. With continued investments and a commitment to clean energy, the U.S. is making strides toward a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable future.
