U.S. Power Grid Adds 50GW of Solar Capacity in 2024, Overtaking Coal for First Time, Powering 8.5 Million Homes

In 2024, the U.S. power grid saw a record addition of 50 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, marking the largest single-year energy expansion in over two decades. This surge in solar capacity accounted for 84% of all new electricity generation, enough to power approximately 8.5 million homes. Additionally, for the first time, wind and solar combined generated more electricity than coal, with wind contributing 10.68% and coal at 15% of the total electricity supply. Renewable energy sources represented 81.2% of electricity production in February 2025, reflecting a significant shift in the energy landscape despite the Trump administration's efforts to promote coal. The increase in solar and wind power production is more than triple the amount generated a decade ago, showcasing a growing trend towards renewable energy in the U.S.