US solar contributed 10,937MW of new generating capacity in 2023, representing 42.1% of total additions.
This signifies a 34.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
Solar’s impact exceeded that of natural gas, nuclear, oil and waste heat, according to reports from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Projections suggest continued growth of solar power projects, with FERC anticipating “high probability” additions of 87,733MW between November 2023 and October 2026.
This could make solar account for over one-eighth (13.3%) of the nation’s installed generating capacity by mid-autumn 2026, rivalling wind and nearing coal capacity.
EIA’s “Electric Power Monthly” report indicates solar’s increasing share, contributing 5.9% of total US electrical generation in the first ten months of 2023.
This outperformance of hydropower underscores solar’s growing importance.
