In 2023, net solar power generation in the United States reached its highest point yet at 164.5 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.
Solar power net generation in the United States from 2000 to 2023
(in gigawatt hours)
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EIA. (March 28, 2024). Solar power net generation in the United States from 2000 to 2023 (in gigawatt hours) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/183447/us-energy-generation-from-solar-sources-from-2000/?ref=liberalcurrents.com
EIA. "Solar power net generation in the United States from 2000 to 2023 (in gigawatt hours)." Chart. March 28, 2024. Statista. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/183447/us-energy-generation-from-solar-sources-from-2000/?ref=liberalcurrents.com
EIA. (2024). Solar power net generation in the United States from 2000 to 2023 (in gigawatt hours). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 14, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/183447/us-energy-generation-from-solar-sources-from-2000/?ref=liberalcurrents.com
EIA. "Solar Power Net Generation in The United States from 2000 to 2023 (in Gigawatt Hours)." Statista, Statista Inc., 28 Mar 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/183447/us-energy-generation-from-solar-sources-from-2000/?ref=liberalcurrents.com
EIA, Solar power net generation in the United States from 2000 to 2023 (in gigawatt hours) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/183447/us-energy-generation-from-solar-sources-from-2000/?ref=liberalcurrents.com (last visited October 14, 2024)
Solar power net generation in the United States from 2000 to 2023 (in gigawatt hours) [Graph], EIA, March 28, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/183447/us-energy-generation-from-solar-sources-from-2000/?ref=liberalcurrents.com