How many panels are there for 1 trillion photovoltaic solar energy

Nationally, 5.3% of electricity was generated from solar—up from 4.8% during 2022. The roles of utility and distributed solar vary by state. Southern and Western states rely more on utility-scale solar, while northern states and Hawaii rely more on distributed solar. Note: EIA monthly data for 2023 are not final.

There are two main types of solar energy technologies—photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). On this page you'll find resources to learn what solar energy is; how you, your business, or your community can go solar; and find resources for every step of the way.

Each quarter, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conducts the Quarterly Solar Industry Update, a presentation of technical trends within the solar industry.

If you have a question about any project information, email [email protected]. Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. As the cost of solar energy systems dropped significantly, more Americans and businesses are taking advantage of clean energy.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that, between 2010 and 2023, the global weighted average levelized cost of energy of concentrating solar power (CSP) fell from $0.39/kilowatt-hours (kWh) to under $0.12/kWh—a decline of 70%.

Since the IRA's passage, more than 95 GW of manufacturing capacity have been added across the solar supply chain (from facilities announced pre- and post-IRA), including nearly 42 GW of new module capacity. U.S. c-Si manufacturers added significant capacity in the first half of 2024.