The United States has surpassed five million solar installations, signaling a notable milestone in the nation's shift towards clean energy. This accomplishment comes merely eight years after reaching one million installations in 2016, a feat that took forty years to accomplish following the inception of the first grid-connected solar installation in 1973.

Growth since 2020

According to data released from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, more than half of all solar installations in the United States have been activated since the beginning of 2020. Additionally, over 25% of these installations have become operational within the past 20 months since the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act. These systems are deployed on residential properties, commercial establishments, and in sizable ground-mounted arrays throughout the nation.

7% of households have solar

SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper commented that solar is experiencing significant growth due to its consistent delivery in reducing electricity expenses, enhancing community resilience, and fostering economic prospects. She noted that currently 7% of the U.S. households have solar, and this figure is projected to increase to over 15% by 2030. Hopper observed that solar is rapidly emerging as the primary electricity source on the grid, enabling communities to enjoy cleaner air and improved health outcomes.

Double by 2030, triple by 2034

Even with shifts in state policies, market indicators point to substantial expansion in states nationwide. SEIA predicts that solar installations in the United States will double to 10 million by 2030 and triple to 15 million by 2034. The residential sector constitutes 97% of all solar installations in the U.S. This sector has consistently set annual installation records for five consecutive years and in 10 of the last 12 years. Residential solar is experiencing unprecedented growth as it presents a reliable investment opportunity for homeowners seeking to manage their energy expenses effectively.

California, the state with most solar installations

Eleven states and territories in the U.S. have surpassed 100,000 installed solar systems. While California leads the nation with 2 million solar installations, recent policy decisions in the state have negatively impacted the rooftop solar market. However, several other states are witnessing rapid growth. For instance, Illinois, which had only 2,500 solar installations in 2017, now boasts over 87,000 solar systems. Similarly, Florida has experienced significant expansion, rising from 22,000 installations in 2017 to 235,000 today.

By 2030, it is projected that 22 states or territories will exceed 100,000 solar installations. The U.S. currently has enough solar installations to cover every residential rooftop in the four corners states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.