The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has announced a significant milestone in the solar power sector, with new utility-scale solar capacity hitting a record 50 gigawatts (GW) in 2024. Solar generation is projected to contribute 7.6% of the total U.S. electricity generation this year.
U.S. solar capacity growth reaches record levels in 2024
The EIA’s latest report highlights the rapid growth of the solar power sector in the United States. The country has added 50 GW of new utility-scale solar capacity in 2024, which marks a major achievement for renewable energy and underscores the increasing role of solar power in the national energy mix. This comes as part of a broader movement towards renewable energy, with solar energy expected to rise from 5.7% in 2023 to 9.0% in 2025.
The U.S. has experienced a steady increase in utility-scale solar capacity over the past few years. Notably, the addition of 11 GW of solar panel manufacturing capacity during the first quarter of 2024 demonstrates the industry’s growth trajectory and commitment to meeting increasing energy demands.
Regional trends and challenges in U.S. solar capacity expansion
Texas and California have been leading the charge in new solar capacity additions. Texas added 9.7 GW of new solar capacity in 2023 and is expected to add 7.4 GW in 2024. California added 7.1 GW last year and is projected to add another 4.9 GW this year. This regional growth is supported by favorable policies, abundant sunlight, and a strong commitment to renewable energy development.
Despite these impressive gains, the EIA notes that the solar power sector still faces challenges. The share of solar generation in the total U.S. energy mix remains relatively small compared to other sources. In 2024, solar is expected to contribute 7.6% of total generation, while natural gas is projected to account for 40%.
The EIA’s short-term energy outlook (STEO) indicates that while the share of natural gas in the electricity mix is expected to remain stable, solar and wind will continue to grow. By 2025, the share of solar in the total U.S. electricity generation is expected to rise to 9.0%, while natural gas will see a slight decrease to 39%.
Future outlook for U.S. solar capacity and renewable energy
The EIA’s projections for 2025 suggest that the U.S. will continue to expand its solar power capacity. The country is expected to add another 38.1 GW of new solar capacity next year. This ongoing growth is driven by technological advancements, cost reductions, and continued policy support at both the federal and state levels.
Solar power’s share of the U.S. electricity generation mix is expected to rise to 9.0% in 2025. This growth is part of a broader trend toward renewable energy, which also includes significant contributions from wind power, projected to increase from 12% in 2023 to 13% in 2025.
The EIA’s report highlights the U.S.’s ongoing transition toward renewable energy, with solar power playing a central role. The addition of 50 GW of new utility-scale solar capacity in 2024 is a record achievement that underscores the country’s commitment to clean energy. Despite challenges, the future of solar power in the U.S. looks bright, with continued growth expected in the coming years. For more insights into the solar power landscape, explore this detailed report on 2024’s solar capacity.