The state of Florida is on track to surpass California and Texas in solar power generation facilities in the United States.
Florida is proving why it is known as the Sunshine State after leading the nation in solar electric generation capacity by 2023.
According to the latest Solar Market Insight report, published by energy analysis firm Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Florida is on track to surpass California and Texas , the top solar installers in 2021. and 2022.
Florida has added a total of 2,499 megawatts of solar generating capacity during the first half of the year. This achievement far exceeds the 1,648 MW added by California and Texas’ 1,292 MW in the same period.
Importantly, Florida’s increase in solar capacity during the first six months of 2023 exceeded the amount of ‘solar capacity’ installed in the state for a full year, according to a SEIA press release.
This progress contributes significantly to a national record 32 gigawatts (one gigawatt equals 1,000 megawatts) of new solar capacity projected for the United States in 2023.
This represents a 52% increase compared to 2022 and marks a single-year record for the nation, according to the press release.
Wood Mackenzie forecasts indicate that total operating solar capacity in the U.S. will increase from the current 153 GW to 375 GW by 2028.
Although in June the US had 1,171 GW of total electricity generation capacity from all sources, including fossil fuels, only 318 GW came from renewable sources.
In this context, Florida, the country’s third most populous state, has made significant progress by having 69 GW of generating capacity, of which 8.6 GW comes from renewable sources.
The report attributes this year’s increase to the mitigation of supply chain challenges related to COVID-19 and restrictive trade policies that slowed growth in 2022.
In addition, it puts relief from the incentives adopted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act adopted by the government.
Likewise, it is a talented to see that Florida’s residential solar capacity is also on the rise. Homeowners added a total of 332 MW of solar capacity during the first six months of the year, the second highest amount in the country.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals that Florida residents have been adopting rooftop solar at an accelerating rate over the past two years.
The report attributes the growth of the solar industry in Florida to a number of factors, including:
- Florida’s sunny climate: The state receives an average of 259 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal location for solar energy.
- Solar-friendly policies: Florida has a number of policies that support the development of solar energy, such as a tax credit program for residential and commercial solar energy.
- Growing demand for solar energy: Florida consumers and businesses are increasingly interested in solar energy as a way to reduce their energy costs and protect the environment.