Solar capacity has grown faster in US electrical generation than all other energy sources in the first three quarters of 2023, according to new data from FERC.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s latest monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update” report (with data through September 30, 2023), which was reviewed by the SUN DAY campaign, reveals that solar provided 9,924 megawatts (MW) of new US generating capacity or 42.4% of the total.
Moreover, solar capacity additions during the first nine months of this year were almost a third (32.8%) larger year over year.
The new solar capacity additions edged past the 8,962 MW of new natural gas (38.2%) and were nine times greater than that provided by the new 1,100 MW Vogtle-3 nuclear reactor (4.7%) in Georgia. Solar far outpaced oil (54 MW) and waste heat (31 MW) capacity additions.
Other renewable energy sources have also grown in capacity this year. Wind provided an additional 3,062 MW (13.1%). With the inclusion of hydropower (224 MW), geothermal (44 MW), and biomass (30 MW), the mix of renewable energy sources has accounted for the majority (56.7%) of new capacity added since January.
While solar’s share of total installed US generating capacity still trails wind (11.6%), it’s rapidly closing in on that of hydropower (7.9%). Taken together, the installed capacity of all renewable sources, including biomass (1.2%) and geothermal (0.3%), was 28.3% of the US’s total at the end of the first nine months of 2023 – up from 27% a year earlier.
Solar’s strong growth is likely to continue. FERC reports that “high-probability” additions of solar between October 2023 and September 2026 total 85,657 MW. That’s four times the amount of the forecast net “high probability” additions for wind (20,333 Mw) and more than 20 times greater than those projected for natural gas (4,150 MW).
“In the aftermath of the 1973 Arab oil embargo 50 years ago, virtually no thought was given to solar as a future energy resource,” noted the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, Ken Bossong. “But now, along with wind and other renewable energy sources, it’s leading the nation’s transition away from nuclear power and fossil fuels to a cleaner and safer energy future.”
Read more: The world may be on track for tripling renewables – and that’s what we need
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. – ad*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
