The US is one of the leading countries in the world in terms
of solar energy production and adoption. According to the International Energy
Agency (IEA), the US is currently the second largest producer of solar energy
in the world after China.
In 2020, the US added a record 19.2 gigawatts (GW) of solar
capacity, bringing the total installed solar capacity to cover 97GW, according
to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). This represents a
significant increase from just 2GW of installed solar capacity in 2010.
The SEIA also reports that solar energy accounted for 43% of
all new electric capacity additions in the US in 2010, making it the largest source
of new electricity generations in the country for the second year in a row.
Several factors have contributed to the growth of solar
energy in the US, including declining costs of solar panels, supportive
government policies such as tax credits and incentives and growing public
demand for clean energy.
Despites this progress, there is still significant potential
for further growth in solar energy adoption in the US. According to the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the US has the technical potential
to generate more than 100 times its current electricity needs from solar energy
alone.
Which states of US having more Solar Plants?
Several states in the US have a significant number of solar
power plants due to favourable policies and natural conditions. Here are some
of the states with the highest installed solar capacity as of 2021., according
to the Solar Energy Industries Association
1. California
– California is the leading state in terms of installed solar capacity, with
over 32GW of installed solar capacity as of 2021. The State has a combination
of favourable policies, high electricity prices and abundant sunshine that make
it an attractive market for solar power.
2. North
Carolina – North Carolina has the second highest installed solar capacity in
the US, with Over 7GW of installed solar capacity as of 2021. The state has
been a leader in solar development due to its supportive policies and strong
solar resources
3. Arizona
– Arizona has over 6GW of installed solar capacity as of 2021, making it one of
the top solar states in the US. The state’s sunny climate and supportive policies
have contributed to its strong solar growth.
4. Texas
– Texas has over 5GW of installed solar capacity as of 2021, making it one of
the fastest growing solar markets in the US. The state’s large electricity
market and abundant sunshine make it an attractive market for solar power.
5. Florida
-Florida has over the 4GW of installed solar capacity as of 2021, driven by the
state’s strong solar resources and growing demand for clean energy.
Other state with significant solar capacity include New Jersey,
Nevada, Georgia and Colorado.