“Record-breaking Solar Energy Capacity Added to U.S. Power Grid in 2024 Amid Controversy”
In 2024, the U.S. power grid saw a significant increase in capacity from solar energy, surpassing all other sources of electricity generation in more than two decades. According to a new report released by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie, approximately 50 gigawatts of new solar generation capacity was added last year, marking a milestone for the renewable energy sector.
The surge in solar energy capacity comes at a time when the new U.S. energy secretary, Chris Wright, has expressed strong criticism towards solar and wind energy. During the annual energy conference in Houston, Mr. Wright stated that solar and wind energy could not meet the growing electricity needs of the world and were driving up energy costs. This stance aligns with the views of President Trump and Republicans in Congress, who have been vocal opponents of renewable energy initiatives introduced by former President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Despite the skepticism towards renewable energy, solar energy and battery storage systems continue to gain momentum. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that solar and batteries will lead new capacity installations on U.S. electric grids this year. Proponents of clean energy view this trend as a positive step towards meeting the increasing demand for electricity, especially with the rise of energy-hungry data centers supporting artificial intelligence growth.
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and chief executive of the solar association, emphasized the importance of deploying solar and storage to meet electricity needs quickly and cost-effectively. Industry leaders, such as John Ketchum, president and chief executive of NextEra Energy, acknowledge the readiness of renewables to deliver new electricity generation efficiently.
However, Mr. Wright raised concerns about the rising cost of electricity, attributing it to the growing use of solar and wind power. Electricity rates across the country reached their highest levels in 2024, with an average increase of 4 percent nationally. Despite the price hike, electricity demand is expected to surge in the coming years, driven by factors such as the growth of data centers and industrial expansion.
Energy experts stress the importance of focusing on affordability, reliability, and safety in the energy sector while addressing climate change concerns. As the world transitions towards a low-carbon future, challenges and opportunities in the energy landscape are expected to shape policy decisions and investments in the years to come.