# The Growth of Solar Energy in the U.S.: What You Need to Know
Solar energy continues to expand rapidly in the U.S., with both utility-scale and distributed solar seeing strong growth in 2024. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that solar power generation increased by 27% year over year, outpacing the overall rise in electricity demand. This means solar accounted for 6.8% of all electricity generated in the country—up from 5.5% in 2023.
For homeowners considering **solar panels for your home**, this growth highlights the rising adoption of renewable energy and its increasing role in the national energy mix. But what does this expansion mean for consumers, and how can you take advantage of the benefits of solar?
## Growth in Utility-Scale and Distributed Solar
Both **utility-scale solar** and **distributed solar** experienced strong growth in 2024. Utility-scale projects grew by 32%, while distributed solar—mostly residential and commercial rooftop systems—expanded by 15%. These increases brought their share of total U.S. electricity generation to nearly 5% and just under 2%, respectively.
The rise in distributed solar indicates that more homeowners and businesses are choosing to
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/03/04/solar-generation-up-27-accounting-for-6-8-of-all-electricity/
