For the first time in history, the United States generated 10% of its electricity from solar energy and wind in a single month, exceeding EIA’s previous forecasts. Earlier this year, we also learned that the U.S. doubled its rate of solar power growth in 2016. With astounding milestones like this, coupled with lower energy bills, reliable solar engineering services, tax breaks and other incentives, corporate demand for green energy continues to grow.
The report, published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), found that wind and solar accounted for 10 percent of all electricity generation in March 2017 (wind comprising 8 percent, solar comprising 2 percent). See chart below.
Solar Growth Continues
Electricity generation from wind and solar (including utility-scale plants and small-scale systems) is expected to continue growing rapidly. According to another report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) “Electric Power Monthly,” renewable energy sources (solar, geothermal, wind, etc.) continued rapid growth in 2016 and accounted for 15.34 percent of domestic electrical generation (compared to 13.65% in 2015). This growth blew past the EIA’s earlier forecasts of 9.5% for the sector.
The EIA noted that renewable energy generation follows seasonal patterns. Wind patterns, for example, vary based on geography. According to the organization, “Based on seasonal patterns in recent years, electricity generation from wind and solar will probably exceed 10% of total U.S. generation again in April, then fall to less than 10% in the summer months.”
KMB Photovoltaic Design and Solar Engineering Services
The stats continue to inspire change. According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research, solar was the top source of new electricity generation ahead of natural gas and coal in 2016. At the same time, the U.S. increased its solar (PV) installations by 95 percent, the highest growth rate on record.
But these eye-opening benchmarks are only the beginning for clean energy.
Provided the renewable energy transformation trends continue in this upward fashion, we can only expect that solar and other renewable sources will once again surpass EIA’s expectations in years to come. In addition to these trends, the declining costs of solar panel technologies and energy storage are expected to further drive demands for commercial solar engineering services.
KMB is at the forefront of the escalating solar industry. Offering leading solar engineering services and photovoltaic design, we have the experience, resources and technical skills required to meet all your solar engineering needs. For additional information on clean, affordable renewable energy, please contact us at 855-755-6234.