As we're heading into the new year, let's revisit some solar statistics from 2022. We're excited to see how these numbers will change in the coming months, as data pours in and is calculated for 2023.
Fundamental Statistics
At the end of 2022, the US had 110.1 gigawatts of installed PV (utility and small scale) systems
In 2022 alone, the US added 10.9 gigawatts of solar power.
Solar accounted for 3.43% of the country's total electricity supply in 2022.
The US had about 3.9 million PV solar systems installed in residences in 2022.
The number of residential installations has grown by 37% per year since Congress passed the federal tax credit in 2005.
Utility scale solar power generated 145.6 terrawatt-hours.
Solar panel shipments increased 10% over 2021
Cost of panels continue to drop, from $1.96 per peak watt in 2010 to $.39/Wp in 2022.
Solar Jobs
The solar industry employed 263,883 solar workers in all 50 states in 2022.
In 2022, nearly one-third of solar workforce was aged 18-29. Gen Z workers are capitalizing on the rise of the solar industry.
In 2022, 57% of all new solar jobs didn't require a bachelor's degree, which helped many Americans find a career in solar.
States with the highest growth in solar jobs from 2017-2022 are: Illinois (58%), Florida (43%), Virginia (33%), New York (28%), Texas (27%), and Georgia (25%).
Cost and Efficiency
Efficiency of panels has increased from 6% in 1954 to over 40% in high-efficiency panels today.
Most panels come with 20-25 year warranties, but there are still systems that were installed over 40 years ago operating at 80% efficiency.
90-97% of a decommissioned solar panel's materials can be recycled or sold.
The Power of Solar Energy
The sun produces enough energy every hour to power all of society for a year.
Based on average solar production across the US, it would take about 21,250 square miles of panels to meet our electric needs.
Commenti