A decade ago, the state of California alone made up nearly half of total solar energy capacity in the United States. But the low cost and quick development times of solar power have made it a valuable resource for states looking to compete in new, energy-intensive industries like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Today, solar energy and the benefits it delivers to local economies are well distributed throughout the country. In particular, states that voted for President Trump in the 2024 election have experience a surge of solar installations and manufacturing investments.
80% of the solar manufacturing investments since August of 2022 have flowed to congressional districts represented by Republicans. Of the 20 states that installed the most solar capacity in 2024, 14 of them voted for President Trump last year, and there is now more solar capacity installed in Trump states than in states that voted for former Vice President Harris.
State Standout: Texas
Texas — one of the least regulated electricity markets in the country — has been installing solar at a remarkable clip because it is simply the most economical choice. Texas installed more solar last year than any other state, and now maintains a solar market worth over $50 billion. Data centers and AI firms are flocking to the Lone Star State as affordable, reliable power becomes the primary input cost for power-hungry tech companies. Texas’ main grid operator predicts power demand will nearly double by 2030.
State Standout: Florida
The state of Florida is home to the second most solar jobs in the United States and boasts one of the fastest-growing solar markets with 13 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity expected over the next five years. Florida installed more utility-scale solar than California last year and ranked #2 in residential installations, with companies investing $6.5 billion in the state in 2024.
State Standout: Georgia
Georgia has become an epicenter for American solar manufacturing in recent years. Solar module and cell manufacturer Qcells is investing $2.5 billion facilities in Dalton and Cartersville. Cell manufacturer Suniva is expanding and restarted production at its plant in Norcross, Georgia and SOLARCYCLE, an advanced solar recycling company, is building a 5 GW recycling facility in Cedartown. In total, Georgia is home to 48 solar manufacturers, over 200 solar and storage companies, and an $8.4 billion solar market.
State Standout: Arkansas
Arkansas has become a solar superstar in just the last two years. In 2024 alone, Arkansas more than doubled its installed solar capacity, ranking 8th among all states last year. The solar industry has invested $3.6 billion into the state economy, and construction on the largest solar farm in Arkansas is underway in Mississippi County. The project will generate enough power for about 50,000 homes while generating 400 new construction jobs and 1.3 million dollars in annual tax revenue. .
Small State Solar Surge
In addition to the standout solar states, there are dozens of other states that voted for President Trump that have experienced remarkable solar growth in recent years. States like Indiana, Wisconsin, and Mississippi have skyrocketed since 2022, and states with larger solar fleets like Utah and South Carolina have continued to grow rapidly.
Red state solar is surging because it is the fastest, most cost-effective option for new power — full stop. When conservative states cut red tape and allow solar to compete, utilities and developers choose the generation source that delivers the best product and that choice is overwhelmingly solar.
Solar power is delivering billions of investment dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs to local economies. The states that recognize this fact are well positioned to not only capture the direct benefits of solar but also the high-value industries like AI and high-tech manufacturing that depend on affordable, reliable power.
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