Figures are based on gross generation and do not account for cross-border electricity supply. Primary energy is measured using the "substitution method" (also called "input-equivalent"
Solar energy can be harnessed two primary ways: photovoltaics (PVs) are semiconductors that generate electricity directly from sunlight, while solar thermal technologies use sunlight to heat water for
Solar power currently contributes approximately 4-5% to the global electricity generation mix. While this may sound modest, the rate of growth in solar adoption is remarkable.
As of 2023, most commercial panels have efficiencies between 17% and 20%, but researchers have developed PV cells that are nearly 50% efficient. Solar technology is becoming
Solar photovoltaics, the technology that converts light from the sun directly into electricity, accounts for the vast majority of new electricity capacity in the United States.
By 2030, photovoltaic panels could supply 14% of global electricity – up from 4.5% in 2023. Emerging technologies like bifacial panels and solar skins will likely drive this growth.
Over the past 12 months, solar photovoltaic sources accounted for more than 6.8% of all electricity generated in the U.S., up from 5.5% in 2023, a 24% year-over-year increase, according to
About this data Annual percentage change in solar power consumption Figures are based on gross generation and do not account for cross-border electricity supply.
Solar energy accounted for 5. 6% of electricity generation in the United States in 2023, up from a 4. 8% share a year earlier. California was the state with the largest renewable energy
According to our Electric Power Annual, solar power accounted for 3% of U.S. electricity generation from all sources in 2020. In our Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast that solar will
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
