America and solar energy

What percentage of US electricity is generated by solar power?

According to our Electric Power Annual, solar power accounted for 3% of U.S. electricity generation from all sources in 2020. In our Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast that solar will account for 4% of U.S. electricity generation in 2021 and 5% in 2022.

Will solar power power 40% of America's electricity by 2035?

The Solar Futures Study from the Department of Energy, released Wednesday, shows that by 2035, solar energy has the potential to power 40% of the nation’s electricity and employ as many as 1.5 million people — without raising electricity costs for consumers.

Why is solar energy important?

Accelerating solar energy manufacturing, production, adoption, and integration across America is critical to growing an equitable clean energy economy and achieving the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals of a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Could solar power the world?

“The study illuminates the fact that solar, our cheapest and fastest-growing source of clean energy, could produce enough electricity to power all of the homes in the US by 2035 and employ as many as 1.5 million people in the process,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.

How much solar power does the US need?

Solar currently accounts for about 3% of US electricity supply. The study shows the US would need to quadruple its yearly solar capacity additions by 2035, providing 1,000 gigawatts of power to ensure most of the electricity grid was powered by renewables.

Do Americans want more solar and wind?

Recent public opinion surveys give a clear message: most Americans want more solar and wind and less carbon pollution. The 2023 Yale Climate Opinion Maps show that 79% of U.S. adults support funding research into renewable energy, while 74% would support regulating carbon pollution.