Solar energy is surging in every corner of the country, helping lower utility bills and improve grid reliability in every state. A decade ago, only three states had more than 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar capacity installed. Today, 33 states can boast greater than 1 GW of capacity, with more states joining the list every year. As the solar century takes shape, states continue to strengthen their solar and storage infrastructure to meet new energy challenges and expand their energy economies.
Here are your 2024 Solar Champions:
California
The Golden State is still holding on to its crown as the United States’ leader in solar energy production. The California solar industry now employs over 80,000 Californians and provides almost 30% of the state’s electricity. While California has long been a leader in solar energy, other states are quickly catching up.
Texas
Texas is in the #2 spot for total solar production. However, the Lone Star State ranks #1 for total utility-scale solar and new solar added in 2024. Texas is quickly catching California for total installed capacity with 41 GW expected over the next decade. The solar industry has driven over $50 billion of investment into the Texas economy, and nearly 300,000 Texans now use solar on their homes. The solar industry has also been a boon for Texas farmers and ranchers, allowing them to keep energy costs low or earn supplemental income all year round by leasing part of their land for solar development.
Florida
Holding steady in the third spot is the Sunshine State. Florida has over 18.5 GW of installed solar capacity, which is enough to power more than 2,200,000 homes. After the passage of Hurricane Helene and Milton, communities across the state – such as the Hunter’s Point – turned to excess solar energy to keep their lights on.
Arizona
Soaring into the Solar Top 5 is Arizona. The Grand Canyon State is now home to nearly 10,000 solar careers and enough solar to power 1.45 million homes. Favorable net metering programs coupled with property tax exemptions help make Arizona one of the fastest growing residential solar markets in the U.S.
North Carolina
Rounding out the top 5 is the Tar Heel State. North Carolina is home to more than 7,300 solar jobs, and the solar industry has generated over $13 billion in economic activity in the state. After Hurricane Helene, solar microgrids kept the lights on in small towns across the state, including the rural mountain community of Hot Springs. Four military bases across the state – such as Camp Lejune – now rely on solar energy too.
From the Sunbelt to the Northeast to the Midwest, solar and energy storage are delivering new opportunities to local economies across the United States. Factories are breaking ground, installations are coming online, and affordable, reliable solar energy is powering American homes and businesses. 2024 was, once again, a record-breaking year for the solar industry and every state in America is benefiting.
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