12 GW of US utility-scale solar deployed in first half of 2024, doubling 2023

In the first half of 2024, the U.S. deployed 20.2 GW of new utility-scale electricity generation capacity, with solar energy leading the way at 12 GW, which is a significant increase from 2023. This solar capacity accounted for 59% of the total new additions, while energy storage contributed 4.2 GW. Florida and Texas were the top states for solar development, together providing 38% of the new solar capacity. Notable projects included the 690 MW Gemini Solar facility in Nevada and the 653 MW Lumina Solar Project in Texas. The energy storage sector was also robust, with California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada making up 90% of the new capacity. Meanwhile, fossil fuel retirements outpaced new fossil fuel capacity, with 5.1 GW retired compared to only 0.4 GW of new gas capacity. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts an additional 42.6 GW of new capacity for the second half of 2024, including 25 GW from solar and 10.8 GW from energy storage. However, the future growth of solar capacity may be impacted by potential tariffs on solar panels, which could lead to project delays. In 2023, the U.S. added over 18 GW of utility-scale solar, and projections suggest that 2024 could see a total of 37 GW of new solar capacity.

- The U.S. deployed 12 GW of utility-scale solar in the first half of 2024.

- Florida and Texas contributed significantly to new solar capacity.

- Energy storage installations reached 4.2 GW, with California leading.

- Fossil fuel retirements exceeded new fossil fuel capacity by a large margin.

- Future solar growth may be affected by potential tariffs on solar panels.