The global trend towards renewable energy is an influential factor in the United States'' focus on solar energy. International commitments to combat climate change and the transition to cleaner energy solutions have
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that, in 2024, the United States added a record 30 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale solar to the grid, accounting for 61% of
As solar costs decline, the demand for solar energy will increase, and solar job growth is expected to continue. According to The Solar Foundation, 25% of solar jobs in the US are filled by
Solar energy accounted for about 11% of U.S. renewable energy consumption in 2020. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, including rooftop panels, and solar thermal power plants use sunlight to generate electricity.
The latest government data discusses U.S. solar energy capacity, efficiency, and available homeowner tax credits as well as renewable energy trends.
The SEIA report tallies all types of solar energy, and in 2007 the United States installed 342 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) electric power, 139 thermal megawatts (MW th) of solar water
The global trend towards renewable energy is an influential factor in the United States'' focus on solar energy. International commitments to combat climate change and the
There are over 5 million solar installations in the United States, delivering clean, affordable, reliable energy to American communities.
2. Solar Water Heating Systems If we keep things simple, solar energy can be directly used to heat water. Solar water heating systems contain thermal collectors. These collectors contain a dark surface that heats up when
America''s shift to clean energy future requires investment in a vast renewable energy technologies portfolio, which includes solar energy. Solar is the fastest-growing source of new
In 2020, renewable energy sources (including wind, hydroelectric, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy) generated a record 834 billion kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity, or about 21% of all the electricity
America produced enough solar energy to power 22 million homes in 2023 – more than eight times as much as in 2014, and enough wind energy to power nearly 39 million typical homes in 2023 – 2.3 times as much
Petroleum and natural gas Petroleum has been the top source of US energy since data tracking began in 1950. In 1977 and 1978, it peaked at 49% of all of US energy consumption. All primary energy-use sectors —electric
Discover how and where solar energy is used in the US. Learn which states lead in solar adoption and explore the top applications of photovoltaic power.
There are two main types of solar energy technologies—photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). On this page you''ll find resources to learn what solar
These statistics explain the American solar industry, as hundreds of companies share their top brands, biggest challenges, and outlook for 2025.
People have used the sun''s rays (solar radiation) for thousands of years for warmth and to dry meat, fruit, and grains. Over time, people developed technologies to collect solar energy for
You''ll find the highest concentration of solar energy usage in California, Arizona, Texas, and Hawaii, where favorable policies, abundant sunlight, and growing demand have
OverviewHistorySolar potentialSolar photovoltaic powerConcentrated solar power (CSP)Government supportSee alsoFurther reading
The Carter administration provided major subsidies for research into photovoltaic technology and sought to increase commercialization in the industry. In the early 1980s, the US accounted for more than 85% of the solar market. During the Reagan administration, oil prices decreased and the US removed most of its policies that supported its solar industry. Government subsidies wer
Solar Energy Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. As the cost of solar energy systems dropped significantly, more Americans and businesses are taking
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that, in 2024, the United States added a record 30 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale solar to the grid, accounting for 61% of new capacity additions to the U.S. electric grid
Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to understand Americans'' adoption of home solar panels. It relies on data from the U.S. Energy Information
Discover how and where solar energy is used in the US. Learn which states lead in solar adoption and explore the top applications of photovoltaic power.
The SEIA report tallies all types of solar energy, and in 2007 the United States installed 342 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) electric power, 139 thermal megawatts (MW th) of solar water heating, 762 MW th of pool heating, and 21 MW th of solar space heating and cooling.
People have used the sun's rays (solar radiation) for thousands of years for warmth and to dry meat, fruit, and grains. Over time, people developed technologies to collect solar energy for heat and to convert it into electricity. Radiant energy from the sun has powered life on earth for many millions of years.
Since the energy harnessed by solar photovoltaics comes directly from the sun, no water is used to generate the electricity, unlike other forms of energy generation technology. The US has some of the world’s richest solar resources, particularly in the Southwest region.
Solar power benefits the environment. Adopting renewable energy helps to improve air and water quality and helps the country reduce greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change. DOE partners with national labs to develop innovations that lower the costs of solar energy.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of September 2014 utility-scale solar had sent 12,303 gigawatt-hours of electricity to the U.S. grid. This was an increase of over 100% versus the same period in 2013 (6,048 GWh).
Solar electricity gives you the power to own your energy production. Owning your solar system is a cost-effective option for millions of Americans, and new models for financing and community solar programs will enable households and communities that lack access to solar electricity to choose their energy future.
