The growth of renewable energy in the United States has accelerated significantly, with renewable sources accounting for over 90 percent of new electrical generating capacity added in 2024.
Solar energy has been the dominant contributor, making up more than 81 percent of the new capacity added during the year. December marked the sixteenth consecutive month in which solar was the largest source of new capacity, reinforcing its position as the fastest-growing energy source, SUNDAY Campaign said.
The latest data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) indicates that in December alone, 4,369 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity were placed into service, along with 324 MW of wind and 45 MW of biomass, bringing the total share of renewables for the month to 86.9 percent.
Over the full year, solar and wind collectively added over 33,944 MW, with additional contributions from hydropower, biomass, and geothermal energy, while fossil fuels and nuclear power made up a much smaller fraction of the new capacity.
The rising share of solar and wind energy is reshaping the U.S. energy landscape. Utility-scale solar now accounts for 10.2 percent of the nation’s installed generating capacity, while wind contributes 11.7 percent, meaning these two sources together make up nearly 22 percent of total utility-scale capacity. When small-scale solar, such as rooftop installations, is factored in, the combined share of solar and wind comes closer to one-quarter of the total electricity generation capacity.
The overall share of renewables, including hydropower, biomass, and geothermal, now stands at 31 percent of U.S. utility-scale generating capacity, with small-scale solar additions pushing that figure closer to one-third.
This marks a dramatic rise from a decade ago when solar accounted for just 1 percent and wind for 5.5 percent of total capacity. Solar’s share has now surpassed both nuclear power and hydropower, making it the fourth-largest source of installed capacity behind natural gas, coal, and wind.
Looking ahead, the rapid expansion of renewables is set to continue. FERC projects that by 2028, solar will become the second-largest source of installed generating capacity in the U.S., surpassing coal and wind.
Over the next three years, high-probability net additions for solar are expected to total over 91,558 MW — nearly four times the anticipated additions for wind and far exceeding expected growth for hydropower, geothermal, and biomass.
Meanwhile, fossil fuel capacity, including coal, oil, and natural gas, is expected to decline. With renewable energy adding approximately two percentage points each year to its share of the market, by early 2028, renewables are expected to account for nearly 37.3 percent of total U.S. utility-scale generating capacity, approaching the level of natural gas. If small-scale solar is included, the combined capacity of all renewables is likely to surpass natural gas within three years.
This transformation is being driven by technological advancements, declining costs, and strong policy support for clean energy. The continued growth of solar and wind, along with improvements in energy storage and grid integration, will further cement renewables as the foundation of the U.S. energy system.
The shift toward cleaner energy sources is not only reducing carbon emissions but also enhancing energy security and economic competitiveness. Despite political challenges, the momentum behind renewables suggests that they will remain the dominant force in shaping the future of U.S. electricity generation.