Will solar and wind energy lead the growth in US power generation?

Solar and wind energy will lead the growth in U.S. power generation for at least the next two years, according to EIA estimates. This report uses data from the EIA to analyze solar and wind capacity and generation over the past decade (2014 to 2023) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Where do solar and wind power data come from?

All national and state-level data come from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Utility-scale solar and wind summer capacity values for 2014-2022 are as reported in EIA’s Historical State Data for each year.

Are solar and wind the future of energy?

Solar and wind account for more of our nation’s energy mix than ever before. To study America’s growing renewable electricity capacity and generation, Climate Central analyzed historical data on solar and wind energy over a 10-year period (2014 to 2023).

How much electricity does wind and solar generate?

Wind and solar power generation have grown dramatically, yet they still generate only a small fraction of electricity or of primary energy. In 2017, for example, wind and solar generated 6.0% and 1.8% respectively of US electricity (BP 2018 ).

How effective is solar and wind generation?

The efficacy of meeting electricity demands with generation from solar and wind resources depends on factors such as location and weather; the area over which generating assets are distributed; the mix and magnitude of solar and wind generation capacities; the availability of energy storage; and firm generation capacity 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

Will solar & wind power the US by 2035?

Solar and wind (combined) are expected to make up a majority of electricity capacity in most U.S. states by 2035 under optimistic current policy scenarios. All national and state-level data come from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).