The United States has officially exceeded five million solar installations, marking a monumental achievement in the nation's transition to clean energy. This milestone is a testament to the rapid growth of solar power, coming just eight years after the U.S. reached one million installations in 2016 — a milestone that took 40 years to achieve following the first grid-connected solar installation in 1973.
Solar’s Explosive Growth
According to data released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, over half of all U.S. solar installations have come online since the start of 2020, and over 25% have been added since the Inflation Reduction Act became law just 20 months ago. These systems are transforming homes, businesses, and large ground-mounted arrays across the country.
“Solar is scaling by the millions because it consistently delivers on its promise to lower electricity costs, boost community resilience, and create economic opportunities,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “Today 7% of homes in America have solar, and this number will grow to over 15% of U.S. homes by 2030. Solar is quickly becoming the dominant source of electricity on the grid, allowing communities to breathe cleaner air and lead healthier lives.”
Forecasting the Future Solar
Despite changes in state policies, market trends suggest significant growth in states across the country. SEIA forecasts that solar installations in the U.S. will double to 10 million by 2030 and triple to 15 million by 2034. The residential sector, which accounts for 97% of all solar installations in the U.S., has set annual installation records for five consecutive years and 10 of the last 12 years, showcasing its rapid and sustained growth.
Today, 11 U.S. states and territories boast over 100,000 solar systems. While California leads the nation with two million installations, other states like Illinois and Florida are experiencing substantial growth. Illinois, for example, increased from 2,500 solar installations in 2017 to more than 87,000 today, while Florida surged from 22,000 installations in 2017 to 235,000 now.
By 2030, 22 states or territories are expected to exceed 100,000 solar installations, further solidifying solar's role in the energy landscape. The U.S. now has enough solar installations to cover every residential rooftop in the four corners states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Solar Power's Environmental Impact
SEIA, the leading trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, is at the forefront of this transformation. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to advocate for policies that create jobs and promote the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. The impact of American solar is profound, displacing 198 million metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting 3.3 billion trees, eliminating 2.2 billion gallons of gas, closing 53 coal-fired power plants, or offsetting the emissions of 12 million Americans.
Trevor Leeds, CEO and Founder of BYLTup, a proud member of SEIA, shares his enthusiasm for this solar revolution: “At BYLTup, we are committed to creating long term, sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions for our customers. The growth of solar installations across the country reflects the increasing awareness and adoption of clean energy. We are thrilled to be part of this journey, helping homeowners and businesses make the switch to solar.”
Ready to Invest in Solar?
As we look to the future, the promise of solar energy shines brighter than ever. With installations set to double by 2030 and triple by 2034, now is the perfect time to consider making the switch to solar.
If you're ready to take control of your energy costs and contribute to a cleaner environment, consider calling BYLTup to install solar panels for your home or business, or if you want more information, read our solar blog post! Join the millions who are already benefiting from the power of the sun, and contact BYLTup today to take the next step.
Sources: https://www.seia.org/
