US solar energy production at a high, new report

Domestic solar energy production is at an all-time record high. Solar Energy Industries Association reported this historic news in its quarterly Solar Market Insight Report. 

This past quarter’s solar energy accounted for 64 percent of all new electricity capacity added to the U.S. grid, according to a press release.

“The United States is the birthplace of solar power, and thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act we’re in the middle of a solar manufacturing boom, revitalizing the industry and helping to deploy record amounts of solar energy,” Patrick Drupp, director of climate policy and advocacy at Sierra Club, said.

The Inflation Reduction Act was an incentive for the energy sector to take action and transition the U.S. from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy and the law pushed energy companies to invest in domestic solar projects. Solar energy “can now power over 37 million homes,” according to a press release.

Utility-scale solar production also reached a historic high. The U.S. installed 6.6 GW in Q3, which is a 44 percent increase from a year ago. 

“Today’s report is a reaffirmation that we are on track to a greener and healthier future, and we must not stop now,” Drupp said. “The investments in renewable energy have brought innovative projects to communities across the country, created millions of jobs, provided low-cost energy, and bolstered our domestic manufacturing sector. It is crucial that we leave dirty fossil fuels behind, and continue to build on the progress that we have made.”