The U.S. power grid added more solar capacity in 2024 than from any other energy source in over two decades, according to a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. With approximately 50 gigawatts of new solar generation, the milestone underscores the rapid expansion of clean energy.
Despite this progress, newly appointed U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized solar and wind at CERAWeek, arguing they cannot meet growing electricity demand and are driving up costs. The Biden administration had championed renewables, but the current administration has pledged to reverse many of its climate policies.
However, solar and battery storage continue to gain momentum, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasting that they will lead new capacity installations in 2025. Industry leaders, including NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum, emphasized solar’s ability to provide cost-effective electricity quickly, particularly as demand surges due to AI-driven data centers and industrial growth.
With electricity consumption projected to rise 55% over the next two decades, experts stress the need for a balanced approach to energy policy—prioritizing affordability, reliability, and sustainability.