The United States has reached a significant milestone: surpassing five million solar installations according to new data released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie. This achievement reflects America’s work to increasing its renewable energy generation, with over half of these installations happening since 2020.
While it took 50 years to reach 5 million solar installations in the U.S., it is estimated to only take 6 years to reach 10 million installations – this is a fast-paced industry, considering the United States reached one million installations in 2016. Just eight years later, the number has quintupled.
The annual environmental impact of American solar is equivalent to planting 3.3 billion trees, about as many trees as there are in the entire state of Kentucky.
“Solar is scaling by the millions because it consistently delivers on its promise to lower electricity costs, boost community resilience, and create economic opportunities,” said SEIA President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “Today, seven percent of homes in America have solar, and this number will grow to over 15 percent of U.S. homes by 2030. Solar is quickly becoming the dominant source of electricity on the grid, allowing communities to breathe cleaner air and lead healthier lives.
Let’s celebrate this achievement and continue our commitment to a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow with help from the sun.