US solar production soars by 25 percent in just one year

US solar power generation has increased by 25 percent in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, driven by a surge in solar farm construction and declining photovoltaic prices. The Energy Information Agency (EIA) reported that utility-scale solar production rose by 29 percent, while small-scale solar installations saw an 18 percent increase. In contrast, other energy sources like coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric remained relatively stable, with changes of 2 percent or less. Natural gas, the largest energy source on the grid, increased by 5 percent, which is significant given its dominance. Overall energy use in the US rose by about 4 percent, potentially influenced by factors such as weather changes, the growth of data centers, and increased electrification. The EIA anticipates that solar production could rise by as much as 42 percent by the end of 2024. Currently, carbon-free sources, including nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar, account for approximately 45 percent of US electricity production, with wind and solar generating more than three times the amount of hydroelectric power. However, natural gas still produces double the electricity of wind and solar combined, indicating ongoing challenges in decarbonizing the grid. The construction boom in solar and wind energy is expected to continue, with significant deployments anticipated in the coming year, while coal and natural gas facilities are set for retirement.