Solar energy accounted for 39.8% of new generating electricity generating capacity in the U.S. in 2019, according to a report released March 17. The Solar Market Insight Report was released by the Solar Energy Industry Association and conducted by the consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. The growth in solar capacity, up from 24.7% in 2018, makes solar the largest source of new generating capacity for the first time. Natural gas accounted for 32% of new generating capacity (down from 57% in 2018); wind energy was 27% of new capacity added, up from 17% the previous year. This means that two-thirds of the new electric generating capacity added in 2019 was from renewable sources. For an executive summary of the report, click here.
Solar Energy Was Nearly 40% of New Generating Capacity in 2019