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The history of solar energy in America is a success story that has been unfolding for the past 70 years. Since the creation of the first silicon solar cell, solar leaders have been continuously innovating, improving efficiency, lowering costs, and growing this American-born technology into an essential part of the nation’s energy system.
In 2023, solar accounted for over 50% of new electricity generating capacity added to the grid and employed over 260,000 Americans. With over 179 GW of installed capacity and growing, the solar and storage industry has become a powerhouse in American energy.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been at the forefront of the solar revolution for the past 50 years. As SEIA continues to advocate for the expansion of reliable, low-cost solar power, let’s take a look back at some significant milestones in the history of solar energy over the last seven decades.
In 1954, Bell Labs introduced the first silicon solar cells, which were five times more efficient than previous solar cell technologies. This breakthrough set the stage for the future of solar energy and was covered on the front page of The New York Times.
In 1960, Hoffman Electronics created a 14% efficient solar panel, doubling the efficiency of the original silicon-based cells. The United Nations also held a conference on new sources of energy in 1961, showcasing an international effort to develop solar power.
The first Earth Day in 1970 marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement, with 20 million people participating in demonstrations across the country. In 1973, the Solar One house was built at the University of Delaware, integrating solar photovoltaic cells for heat and electricity.
SEIA was founded in 1974 to support the growth of solar energy resources in the US. In 1978, Congress passed the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to promote renewable energy sources and introduce competition in the electric sector.
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the White House, highlighting his commitment to clean energy use. In 1982, the first utility-scale solar farm in the US began operation in Hesperia, California, marking a milestone in industrial solar power generation.
These milestones demonstrate the progress and growth of solar energy in America over the past seven decades, with SEIA continuing to advocate for the expansion of solar power and its integration into national energy policies. In the early 1980s, a company opened a large solar power plant in Carrizo Plain, California with a capacity of 5.2 MW. This plant operated from 1983 to 1994 and boasted one of the largest photovoltaic arrays in the world at that time.
The year 1983 marked a significant milestone in the solar industry with the introduction of the first State Net-Energy Metering (NEM) Program. This program allowed residential and commercial solar customers to receive compensation for excess energy they exported back to the grid. Minnesota was the first state to enact a net metering law, incentivizing the installation of distributed solar energy systems.
In 2004, the first Solar Power International Conference was organized by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association. The event attracted over 1,000 attendees, including industry leaders, utility representatives, and policymakers, showcasing the growth of the solar industry.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was a significant achievement for the solar industry, as it included the creation of the first-ever solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This policy has played a crucial role in driving solar growth in the United States, leading to the creation of new jobs and investments in the industry.
In 2006, the first Community Solar Program was launched in Ellensburg, Washington, allowing local residents to access the benefits of solar energy through a shared facility. This initiative aimed to make solar energy more accessible to communities that couldn’t install solar panels on their roofs.
By 2008, the U.S. solar capacity had reached 1 GW, driven by technological advancements, falling costs, and federal policy support. California accounted for half of all installed solar capacity at that time.
In 2011, the Department of Energy launched the SunShot initiative to lower solar energy costs by 75% by the end of the decade, making solar energy more economically competitive and expanding domestic solar installations.
In 2013, President Obama installed solar panels on the White House to showcase his support for clean energy and combatting climate change. This initiative highlighted the importance of solar power in the country’s energy transition.
The U.S. solar industry surpassed 200,000 workers in 2015, marking a record-breaking year for the industry and providing well-paying jobs to communities across the country. Additionally, Burlington, Vermont became the first city in the U.S. to be entirely powered by renewable sources in 2014.
Hawaii set a milestone in 2015 by passing a goal to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2045, with solar playing a significant role in achieving this target. The state set an example for other states to follow in transitioning to clean energy sources.
In 2016, the U.S. reached 1 million solar installations, showcasing the rapid growth of the solar industry over the years. Just three years later, the industry reached 2 million installations, demonstrating the increasing popularity of solar energy.
The U.S. solar industry achieved another milestone in 2017 when average utility-scale solar prices fell below $1/watt for the first time, meeting the SunShot Initiative goal ahead of schedule. This success paved the way for further cost reductions in solar-generated electricity.
In 2022, Congress enacted the Inflation Reduction Act, which is expected to drive significant new investments in the solar industry and transform its future. The act is predicted to lead to over half a trillion dollars of new solar investments by 2030, marking a turning point for the industry.
By 2023, solar accounted for over 50% of new electricity capacity added to the grid, with a record-breaking 32.4 GW of new installations. This marked a significant milestone in the transition to renewable energy sources and highlighted the growing importance of solar power in the country’s energy mix. Expect this trend to continue in the years ahead.
In 2024, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) celebrates 50 years of leadership in the solar and storage industry. SEIA has played a pivotal role in championing policies and initiatives that have helped establish the multi-billion-dollar industry that exists today.
Solar energy is the fastest-growing sector in the energy industry, and SEIA is committed to leading the way in delivering greater economic opportunities, lower energy bills, and a more resilient and reliable grid for the future.
By SEIA Comms Team