Both large and small-scale investments mean 2023 will be a big year for solar across the country.
A Sunny Year Ahead
While the United States has been steadily increasing its solar capacity over the last decade, 2023 will mark a rapid increase in the nation’s ability to harness renewable energy, according to a new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
With the country set to increase its total electric-generating capacity by 54.5 GW, more than half of that increase — 29.1 GW to be exact — will come in the form of solar energy. Part of this increase comes from earlier projects that were delayed as a result of supply chain issue in 2021, but much of it comes from new investments as well.
Not Just Solar
In addition to the massive increase in the country’s solar capacity, 2023 will see large-scale gains in other forms of clean energy like wind and nuclear power. Most of the new wind capacity will be added in Texas, while all of the new nuclear energy will come from two new reactors at the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia.
The other major source of new electric capacity for the U.S. this year will be in battery storage. One of the primary issues in the renewable energy sector over the last decade has been improving batteries so that excess electricity can be stored to compensate for peak usage hours. The U.S. has grown its battery storage over the past couple of years, but in 2023, it is set to more than double its current amount.
From Our Future to Your Future
While much of the country’s new electric capacity will come as a result of large-scale investments, 2023 will be a great year for small-scale residential solar as well. Better, cheaper solar panels and batteries mean that investing in your future today can save you a lot of money in the longer term. So why wait?