The United States witnessed a remarkable surge in solar panel manufacturing during the first quarter of 2024, with a record-breaking 11 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity coming online.
This unprecedented growth marks the largest quarterly increase in solar manufacturing in the country’s history.
Manufacturing Capacity Continues to Climb
According to the recent US Solar Marketing Insight report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, the total solar panel manufacturing capacity in the United States now exceeds 26 GW per year. Additionally, the industry has already installed an impressive 11.8 GW of new capacity, pushing the total US capacity beyond 200 GW.
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Unveiling 2023’s Impressive Growth
The report also reveals previously unreleased data from 2023, showcasing that the US added more than 40 GW of new capacity last year alone, further solidifying the country’s commitment to solar energy.
Wood Mackenzie forecasts another 40 GW of new solar installations in the US this year, provided current trends continue.
Federal Investments Drive Manufacturing Boom
Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of SEIA, attributes this manufacturing boom to new federal investments in clean energy.
She highlights the positive impact of the solar and storage industry on communities across the nation, stating, “Whether it’s a billion-dollar investment in a nearby solar project or a new manufacturing plant employing hundreds of local workers, the solar and storage industry is uplifting communities in every state across this country.”
Texas and Florida Lead the Utility-Scale Market
The first quarter of 2024 saw significant growth in the utility-scale market, particularly in Texas and Florida. These states spearheaded the record solar panel deployment, with the utility-scale sector adding almost 10 GW of additional capacity. However, Ohio and New Mexico also made notable contributions, installing 546 MW and 686 MW, respectively.
This surge in solar panel manufacturing and installation underscores the United States’ commitment to renewable energy and its potential to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.