Harnessing the Sun: Future of Solar Power in US Electricity Generation by 2024

Hello there solar enthusiasts and anyone curious about what’s going on in the world of renewable energy. I’m back again to unpack some more topics related to solar and the wider renewable energy sector. Today, we’re diving into the latest trends in solar, tapping into the expertise presented in the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) recent Short-Term Energy Outlook report. Spoiler alert: Solar is stealing the show!

According to the EIA, we can expect a 3% increase in electricity generation across the United States, and guess what’s expected to serve most of that increase? You got it – solar! Solar industry aficionados will appreciate the recognition that solar power is not just a promising player but the major driver in the US’s energy transition.

Here’s something to marvel at – the EIA has projected 41% growth in solar electricity generation from 2023 to 2024, following the addition of 19 GW of solar capacity in 2023 and an expected 37 GW in 2024. Peering into the not-so-distant future, we can anticipate another 25% growth in solar generation by 2025. That’s a reflection of the commitment and perseverance of solar companies working tirelessly to increase the adoption of solar panels for your home.

Why is this whopping growth in solar energy so momentous? It marks the first time in history, according to EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis, that “generation from solar will exceed the contribution from hydroelectricity.” How’s that for flipping the switch on conventional energy hierarchies?

Okay, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Despite the significant strides in solar, the reality is that the United States has quite a journey ahead when it comes to decarbonizing the economy. Renewable energy sources, headlined by solar, wind, and hydropower, combined for about 21% of US electricity generation in 2023. This is predicted to grow to 24% in 2025. Progress indeed, but as solar enthusiasts, we need to keep pushing, innovating, and advocating.

The good news? Every solar company, every solar array for home use, every individual who commits to renewable energy, is taking us a step closer to a cleaner, healthier planet. Despite the dominant role of natural gas in the energy mix, solar is steadily climbing the ranks, expected to move from about 4% to approximately 7% of the total energy mix by 2025.

In closing, there’s a growing place for solar in our energy narrative. With the continued efforts of solar companies and increased adoption of solar panels for your home, we can look forward to the continued growth of solar. As the saying goes, the best way to predict the future is to create it. Let’s keep building that solar future!

Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/07/solar-to-contribute-over-60-of-new-u-s-electricity-generation-in-2024/

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