Solar power generation in the U.S. 2000-2021

In 2021, net solar power generation in the United States reached its highest point yet at 114.7 terawatt hours of solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) power. Solar power generation has increased drastically over the past two decades, especially since 2011, when it hovered just below two terawatt hours.

The U.S. solar industry

In the United States, an exceptionally high number of solar-related jobs are based in California. With a boost from state legislation, California has long been a forerunner in solar technology. In the second quarter of 2022, it had a cumulative solar PV capacity of more than 37 gigawatts. Outside of California, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina were the states with the largest solar PV capacity.

Clean energy in the U.S.

In recent years, solar power generation has seen more rapid growth than wind power in the United States. However, among renewables used for electricity, wind has been a more common and substantial source for the past decade. Wind power surpassed conventional hydropower as the largest source of renewable electricity in 2019. While there are major environmental costs often associated with the construction and operation of large hydropower facilities, hydro remains a vital source of electricity generation for the United States.