US Renewable Energy Now Accounting for over 30% of total electrical Generating Capacity
Renewable Energy on the Rise: A Path to a Sustainable Future
Renewable energy in the United States is experiencing a transformative boom, reshaping the country’s energy landscape. With utility-scale US renewable energy now accounting for over 30% of the nation’s total electrical generating capacity, projections show this figure could reach an impressive 37% by the end of 2027. This growth, highlighted in reports from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), underscores the rapid expansion and increasing dominance of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal.
Renewables Achieve Milestones in Capacity and Generation
During the first ten months of 2024, renewable energy sources provided nearly 25% of the country’s electricity. October marked the 14th consecutive month where solar energy led the charge as the largest source of new capacity. This surge positions solar to become the second-largest energy source in the U.S., trailing only natural gas, within the next three years.
Dominance in New Capacity Additions
In its recent “Energy Infrastructure Update,” FERC reported a remarkable trend: renewable energy dominated new capacity additions. In October 2024 alone, 41 solar units contributed 1,970 megawatts (MW), while three wind units added 174 MW. Together, these renewable sources accounted for a staggering 99.9% of new generating capacity for the month. Natural gas contributed a mere 3 MW, illustrating the shift away from fossil fuels.
Between January and October 2024, solar and wind collectively added 24,224 MW of capacity, representing over 90% of new capacity additions. This surge reflects the growing preference for clean energy, driven by technological advancements and declining costs. Solar alone comprised 79% of new utility-scale generation for the year-to-date period, an 80.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, solar has led new capacity additions for 14 consecutive months.
Solar and Wind: A Power Duo
Together, solar and wind now represent 21.2% of the nation’s installed utility-scale generating capacity. However, this figure does not account for small-scale solar systems, such as rooftop installations. When these are included, the combined share of solar and wind rises to nearly a quarter of the U.S.’s total energy capacity.
Solar’s rapid ascent has propelled it to fourth place among energy sources in terms of utility-scale capacity, surpassing nuclear power (7.9%) and hydropower (7.7%). With its current trajectory, solar is expected to overtake coal (15.5%) and possibly wind (11.8%) to secure the second spot by 2027.
Solar Poised for Greater Growth
FERC’s projections reveal a bright future for solar energy. Between October 2024 and September 2027, high-probability solar additions are forecasted to reach 93,803 MW—more than four times the expected additions for wind (23,261 MW). This growth cements solar’s role as the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S.
Additional expansions in hydropower (1,316 MW), biomass (164 MW), and geothermal (90 MW) are also anticipated. Conversely, traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas are projected to experience significant declines in capacity.
If these trends continue, solar energy alone will account for 15.5% of the nation’s installed utility-scale generating capacity by 2027, surpassing coal and wind. When combined with wind, these two renewables will constitute more than three-quarters of the total installed renewable energy capacity.
A Broader Picture of Renewable Energy
The shift toward renewables is not limited to utility-scale installations. Small-scale solar systems, such as rooftop panels, play a crucial role in the overall energy mix. Including these systems, total U.S. solar capacity is expected to approach or exceed 300 gigawatts (GW) within three years. This growth would push the combined share of all renewables to over 40% of the nation’s total installed capacity, surpassing natural gas, which is projected to decline to around 37%.
Renewable Energy’s Role in Electricity Generation
Renewable energy’s impact extends beyond capacity additions. Between January and October 2024, renewables provided 24.2% of the U.S.’s electricity, a notable increase from 22.9% during the same period in 2023. Solar and wind together accounted for 17.2% of electrical generation, with utility-scale and small-scale solar contributing 7.2% of the total.
In October alone, renewables supplied 25.5% of the country’s electricity, marking a significant year-over-year increase. This upward trajectory highlights the growing reliance on renewables as a key component of the U.S. energy mix.
Solar Energy Leads the Charge
Solar energy continues to outpace other energy sources in growth. Between January and October 2024, utility-scale solar generation increased by 30.8%, while small-scale solar grew by 15.8%. Combined, these contributions make solar the fastest-growing source of electricity in the U.S.
For context, natural gas generation grew by just 4.1%, and nuclear power by a mere 0.7%, during the same period. Meanwhile, coal’s share contracted by 4.0%, underscoring the ongoing transition away from fossil fuels.
The Future of Renewables
The rapid expansion of renewables, particularly solar, reflects a broader shift toward sustainability and energy independence. FERC’s data indicates that solar’s growth may even exceed current forecasts, driven by advancements in technology and favorable market conditions. By early 2027, renewables could account for nearly 40% of total installed capacity, with solar and wind leading the way.
The remarkable growth of renewable energy underscores the urgency of transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. For individuals considering solar power, the benefits extend beyond environmental impact. Adding solar panels and battery storage systems can enhance home resilience during power outages and reduce energy costs over time.
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to work with trusted solar installers. Platforms like EnergySage offer a valuable resource for homeowners, connecting them with pre-vetted installers who provide competitive pricing and high-quality solutions. By leveraging such tools, individuals can contribute to the renewable energy revolution while enjoying significant savings.
The rise of renewable energy in the U.S. represents a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward a sustainable future. With solar and wind at the forefront, the energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by innovation, growth, and environmental stewardship. As renewables continue to gain momentum, the vision of a cleaner, greener energy future becomes increasingly attainable.
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