The United States has officially exceeded five million solar installations, marking a significant achievement in the nation’s clean energy transition. This milestone comes just eight years after the U.S. reached one million installations in 2016 — a milestone that took 40 years to achieve following the first grid-connected solar installation in 1973.
According to data released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, over half of all U.S. solar installations have come online since the start of 2020 and over 25 percent have come online since the Inflation Reduction Act became law just 20 months ago. These systems are installed on homes, businesses, and in large ground-mounted arrays across the country.
“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.
Despite state policy changes, market trends continue to suggest significant growth in states across the country. SEIA forecasts that solar installations in the U.S. will double to 10 million by 2030 and triple to 15 million by 2034.
The residential sector accounts for 97 percent of all solar installations in the U.S. This sector has set annual installation records for five consecutive years and 10 of the last 12 years. Residential solar is growing at a historic rate because it is a proven investment for homeowners looking to take control of their energy costs.
California leads the nation with two million solar installations, but recent policy decisions in the state have harmed the rooftop solar market. Illinois was an emerging market with only 2,500 solar installations in 2017, and today the state is home to more than 87,000 solar systems. Florida is experiencing substantial growth, increasing from 22,000 installations in 2017 to 235,000 installations today.
By the year 2030, 22 states or territories are expected to exceed 100,000 solar installations.