If you’re thinking about installing home solar panels, now is a great time. The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in the last decade, and various solar financing options are available, includingleasing solar panels or solar power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Solar popularity varies by state because of factors like the average cost of solar, the number of available installers in an area, and state incentives and tax credits. It may not surprise you to know that California produces more solar power than any other state. California offers a high number of state and local incentives, ambitious renewable portfolio standards, and a variety of solar installers, making solar more attractive and affordable for residents.
We looked at the most recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration(EIA) to show how U.S. states rank in solar energygeneration. Check out which states are the trendsetters in adopting solar energy and where your state lands on the list.
Top 10 states generating solar power
Here are the major solar producers for the U.S. based on May 2023 data from the EIA. All figures shown on this page are measured in thousand-kilowatt hours (kWh). California is number one for solar generation, more than doubling the generation of Texas, the second highest on the list.
California solar energy
Leading the country in solar generation is sunny California. The state began encouraging solar adoption in 1976 and now produces nearly 30% of the total solar power in the U.S. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), California will add another 22,620 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity within the next five years. California has an abundance of solar installers available, giving you a variety of options if you’re interested in buying solar panels.
Texas solar energy
Texas is consistently the runner-up behind California in solar energy production. Most of the solar energy in Texas comes from solar power plants. However, more efficient solar panels and utility-provided incentives have increased residential solar installation in the state. The Texas population is increasing each year, which in turn has increased energy demand. Many residents are turning to home solar panels to rely less on the Texas power grid and maintain control over their energy prices.
Florida solar energy
A large portion of solar power in Florida is generated by large-scale solar farms, but residential solar is growing in Florida. Florida residents often pay some of the most expensive traditional energy bills in the nation. Meanwhile, the state’s net metering law and other solar incentives have led to a growing number of residential solar installations across the state. What’s more, the SEIA predicts Florida solar will grow by another 12,816 MW over the next five years.
Arizona solar energy
As one of the sunniest states in the country, it’s no surprise that Arizona is in the top 10 states for solar energy. Arizona homeowners with solar panels can often almost eliminate their monthly power bills or opt for an off-grid solar system. Residents who purchase solar panels can benefit from several tax credits and incentives at the federal and state levels.
North Carolina solar energy
Solar energy in North Carolina is on the rise as residents see the benefits of solar in the state, which gets over 200 sunny days annually. The state currently has enough solar panels installed to power nearly a million homes. Based on data from the SEIA, solar panel prices have dropped by 54% in the last decade in North Carolina.
Nevada solar energy
Nevada has been on the cutting edge of solar technology since the 1980s. Nevada solar energy is booming with a helpful property tax exemption for large-scale solar systems. In 2023, it ranks as the sixth-largest solar state in the U.S.
Georgia solar energy
Solar energy is on the rise in Georgia as Atlanta has set a 100% renewable energy goal by 2035. Georgia allows utilities to offer net metering to their residential solar system owners. Georgia Power, the state’s largest utility, offers net metering capped at 5,000 customers.
New York solar energy
New York is another high-producing solar state. New York has net metering programs that benefit residential solar owners and is working towards more energy-efficient systems. New York legislation advocates for the state to have a clean energy standard reaching 70% by 2030.
Virginia solar energy
Virginia’s continued investment in solar energy and renewable energy goals help the state rank in the top 10. By 2030, Virginia plans to create about 30,000 jobs in solar and generate zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Massachusetts solar energy
Massachusetts residents pay some of the highest energy bills in the country, leading to a rising statewide interest in home solar panels. Currently, Massachusetts has enough solar capacity to power almost 740,000 homes. Residents can benefit from a variety of tax incentives and programs to make solar panels more affordable.
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Solar power by state
Solar power is growing in popularity across the U.S. Since May 2022, solar generation has risen by 16.3%. With a growing number of solar installers and incentives available to residents, solar power will likely continue to increase for years to come.
The following table shows solar generation by state based on the most recent data from the EIA. Solar generation is measured in billion-kilowatt hours (kWh), so we rounded each figure to the nearest tenths for readability. If your state is not listed, no data is available from the EIA, or the state produces zero solar generation.