In 2024, the United States achieved unprecedented growth in solar energy, adding a record 49 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity, according to figures from the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) and Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Key Highlights
Dominance in New Capacity
Solar installations accounted for 81.5% of all new generating capacity placed into service in 2024, marking a 50% increase over the solar capacity added in 2023.
Utility-Scale Growth
The surge was primarily driven by utility-scale solar projects, which constituted over 80% of additions in the first half of 2024.
Geographical Leaders
Texas and California led the expansion, contributing significantly to the 74% year-over-year increase in utility-scale solar installations.
Renewable Energy Milestone
Collectively, renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and battery storage, added 48.2 GW of capacity in 2024, up 47% from the previous year.
Notable Projects
- Mammoth Solar: Located in Indiana, the first phase of this project came online in July 2024, adding 480 megawatts (MW) to the grid.
- Orion Solar Belt: One of the largest solar projects in the U.S., this Texas-based initiative became operational in late 2024, supported by a significant investment from Google.
Report highlights key trends in U.S. solar policy developments for 2025
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that utilities and independent power producers will add 26 GW of solar capacity in 2025 and 22 GW in 2026, indicating a sustained trajectory of growth in the solar sector.
This remarkable expansion underscores the pivotal role of solar energy in transforming the U.S. electricity generation landscape, driven by technological advancements, supportive policies, and increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
