United States Surpasses Five Million Solar Installations Countrywide

The United States surpasses five million solar installations, a major milestone in its clean energy journey, achieved in just eight years since hitting one million in 2016. This follows 40 years from the first grid-connected solar installation in 1973.

Data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie reveals that more than half of all U.S. solar installations have been activated since the beginning of 2020. Additionally, over 25% of these installations have come online in the last 20 months since the Inflation Reduction Act was enacted. These systems are deployed on residences, commercial establishments, and expansive ground-mounted arrays nationwide.

Despite shifts in state policies, ongoing market trends indicate substantial growth nationwide. SEIA predicts that solar installations in the U.S. will double to 10 million by 2030 and triple to 15 million by 2034.

California, with 2 million solar installations, leads the nation, yet recent policy shifts have impacted its rooftop solar market. Meanwhile, states like Illinois have surged from 2,500 to over 87,000 solar systems since 2017. Similarly, Florida has seen remarkable growth, rising from 22,000 to 235,000 installations during the same period.

“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.”