According to the “Energy Infrastructure Update” report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), solar energy has taken the lead in new solar installations in the United States. It contributed 8,980 MW of new domestic generating capacity, accounting for 40.5% of the total.
This data indicates that solar installations during the first eight months of 2023 have exceeded all other energy sources, including both fossil fuels and renewables. Moreover, these solar capacity additions impacted a significant increase of 35.9% in power generation as compared to the last year. This highlights the remarkable growth and dominance of solar energy in the nation’s energy mix.
During this same period, wind energy added 2,761 MW (12.5% of new capacity). However, hydropower produced 224 MW, and geothermal energy contribution is 44 MW. Also, biomass added 30 MW. In total, renewable energy sources collectively accounted for about 54.3% of the new capacity additions. Natural gas added 8,949 MW, new nuclear energy contributed 1,100 MW, oil added 32 MW, and waste heat systems generated 31 MW.
New Solar Installations Trend in the United States:
The new solar installations are expected to grow in the U.S. in the future as well. According to FERC’s data, the anticipated “high-probability” solar capacity additions from September 2023 to August 2026 are a substantial 83,878 MW. This figure is nearly four times greater than the net “high-probability” additions for wind energy. FERC also suggests that there could be as much as 214,160 MW of new solar installations in the pipeline over the next three years.
By late summer 2026, solar energy is likely to account for more than one-eighth (12.9%) of the nation’s total generated capacity. This may surpass both wind energy (12.4%) and hydropower (7.5%). Solar’s capacity is also predicted to exceed that of oil (2.6%) and nuclear power (7.5%) by August 2026. However, the collective contribution of all renewable energy sources will reach around 34.2%. This indicates a growing trend that can potentially challenge natural gas’s lead.
Final Thoughts:
The remarkable surge in new solar installations, as reported by FERC, signals a monumental shift in the U.S. energy landscape. With an impressive growth trajectory, solar power is on track to significantly reshape the nation’s energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This transformation highlights the enduring potential and importance of renewable energy sources as we move toward a more sustainable future.
