US Solar Capacity: How Much Has Been Installed? (2026 Data)
The following table shows cumulative solar installations by year (data from SEIA and NREL):
| Year | New Installs (GW) | Cumulative (GW) | % of US Electricity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7.5 GW | 25 GW | ~1.2% |
| 2018 | 10.6 GW | 64 GW | ~2.8% |
| 2020 | 19.2 GW | 97 GW | ~4.1% |
| 2022 | 21.0 GW | 142 GW | ~5.2% |
| 2024 | 33.9 GW | 189 GW | ~6.0% |
| 2026 (projected) | 35–40 GW | 220–230 GW | ~6.5% |
| 2030 (projected) | 45–55 GW/year | 450–500 GW | ~12–14% |
| 2035 (projected) | 55–65 GW/year | 700–800 GW | ~18–22% |
Solar Cost Trends: How Prices Have Changed (2010–2026)
Solar panel and system costs have plummeted by 80%+ since 2010. This is the #1 driver of solar adoption.
| Year | Avg. System Cost (before ITC) | After 30% ITC | Price per Watt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $45,000 (8 kW) | $31,500 | $5.62/watt |
| 2015 | $28,000 (8 kW) | $19,600 | $3.50/watt |
| 2020 | $22,400 (8 kW) | $15,680 | $2.80/watt |
| 2023 | $21,600 (8 kW) | $15,120 | $2.70/watt |
| 2026 | $20,000–$24,000 (8 kW) | $14,000–$16,800 | $2.50–$3.00/watt |
Why are costs still declining? Even though inflation increased equipment costs in 2022–2023, manufacturing scale (especially in China and Southeast Asia) continues to drive down panel costs. In 2026, solar panel wholesale prices are $0.35–$0.65/watt (down from $2.00/watt in 2010).
Solar Jobs in the US (2026 Data from SEIA)
The US solar industry employs over 370,000 workers as of 2026. This includes installers, manufacturing, sales, and project development.
| Job Category | Number of Jobs (2026) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | ~155,000 | 42% |
| Manufacturing (panels, inverters, racking) | ~55,000 | 15% |
| Sales & distribution | ~48,000 | 13% |
| Project development & engineering | ~42,000 | 11% |
| Operations & maintenance | ~35,000 | 9% |
| Other (policy, research, etc.) | ~35,000 | 10% |
| Total | ~370,000 | 100% |
Top 10 US States for Solar Capacity (2026)
| Rank | State | Cumulative Solar (GW) | % of State Electricity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | ~48 GW | ~28% |
| 2 | Texas | ~22 GW | ~12% |
| 3 | Florida | ~14 GW | ~11% |
| 4 | North Carolina | ~10 GW | ~16% |
| 5 | Arizona | ~9 GW | ~20% |
| 6 | Nevada | ~7 GW | ~22% |
| 7 | Georgia | ~5 GW | ~8% |
| 8 | New Jersey | ~5 GW | ~14% |
| 9 | Virginia | ~4.5 GW | ~7% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | ~4.5 GW | ~19% |
Global Solar Capacity: How the US Compares
The US is the 2nd largest solar market globally (after China). Here's the 2026 global ranking:
| Rank | Country | Cumulative Solar (GW) | 2026 New Installs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | ~650 GW | ~180–220 GW |
| 2 | United States | ~225 GW | ~35–40 GW |
| 3 | India | ~110 GW | ~25–30 GW |
| 4 | Germany | ~82 GW | ~12–15 GW |
| 5 | Japan | ~78 GW | ~6–8 GW |
| 6 | Spain | ~45 GW | ~8–10 GW |
| 7 | Australia | ~38 GW | ~5–7 GW |
| 8 | South Korea | ~32 GW | ~4–5 GW |
| 9 | France | ~28 GW | ~4–5 GW |
| 10 | Brazil | ~26 GW | ~8–10 GW |
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Statistics
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The US has over 220 GW of installed solar capacity in 2026 (enough for ~40 million homes). This is up from 189 GW in 2024. Solar now provides ~6.5% of total US electricity.
The US solar industry employs over 370,000 workers (2026). Installation is the largest category (42%), followed by manufacturing (15%) and sales (13%).
California leads with ~48 GW (28% of the state's electricity). Texas is #2 with ~22 GW (12% of the state's electricity).
Solar system costs have fallen by 80%+ since 2010. In 2010, an 8 kW system cost ~$45,000 (after ITC: $31,500). In 2026, the same system costs ~$20,000 (after ITC: $14,000).
In 2026, solar provides ~6.5% of total US electricity generation. This is up from 4.7% in 2023 and is projected to reach 18–22% by 2035.
The US is #2 globally (after China). China has ~650 GW of solar. The US has ~225 GW. India is #3 with ~110 GW.