Energy Efficiency

Solar Power Installations Doubled In 2016

Feb. 15, 2017

Based on electrical production capacity, 40 percent of new power generation projects last year were solar, according to a new report from Greentech Media.

CNBC reports that solar power installations doubled in 2016, and for the first time, solar installations accounted for the largest share of electricity generating capacity.

Nonresidential installations, driven by utility-scale projects, are also up.

There are now 1.3 million solar installations across the United States, with a cumulative capacity of over 40 gigawatts. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that 1 megawatt of electricity can power 164 homes, so 40 gigawatts is enough capacity to power 6,560,000 U.S. households.

Read more

Sign-up for Pro Builder Newsletters
Get all of the latest news and updates.