Renewable energy sources have continued to make significant strides in the United States, with nearly a quarter of the country’s electrical generation coming from renewables in 2024. According to data released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewables saw a 9.6% growth in output compared to the previous year.
Solar energy remained at the forefront of this growth, with utility-scale and small-scale solar combined increasing by 26.9% in 2024. Utility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic expanded by 32%, while small-scale solar saw a 15.3% increase. As a result, solar accounted for nearly 7% of total US electrical generation for the year.
Wind energy also saw growth in 2024, with the output of US wind farms increasing by 7.7% year-over-year. Wind remains the largest source of electrical generation among renewable energy sources, accounting for 10.3% of the US total. When combined with solar, wind and solar provided more than 17.2% of US electrical generation in 2024.
Overall, the mix of all renewables – including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal – provided 24.2% of total US electricity production in 2024, up from 23.2% in the previous year. This growth outpaced that of natural gas and nuclear power, with renewables growing nearly three times faster than natural gas and over 10 times faster than nuclear power.
The SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, Ken Bossong, emphasized the importance of renewables in the nation’s electricity supply, stating that renewable energy sources now provide a quarter of the nation’s electricity. Despite efforts to undermine renewables, the growth of wind and solar energy continues to play a significant role in the US energy landscape.
For individuals looking to make their homes more resilient to power outages, going solar and adding a battery storage system can be a viable solution. Platforms like EnergySage offer a free service to help homeowners find trusted and reliable solar installers near them, ensuring competitive pricing and high-quality solutions. By going solar, homeowners can save 20-30% compared to going it alone and gain access to unbiased Energy Advisers to guide them through the process.
In conclusion, the growth of renewables in the US energy sector in 2024 has solidified their position as a key player in the nation’s electrical generation. With solar and wind leading the charge, renewables are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
