Solar has the potential to power 40% of US electricity demand by 2035, according to a new study shows released by the Department of Energy (DoE).
By 2035, solar energy has the potential to power 100% of US homes and employ up to 1.5 million people without raising electricity prices, the Solar Futures Study found.
In 2020, the US installed a record amount of solar, 15GW to total 76GW, representing 3% of the current electricity supply.
The Solar Futures Study, prepared by DoE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, shows that, by 2035, the US would need to quadruple its yearly solar capacity additions and provide 1000GW of power to a renewable-dominant grid.
By 2050, solar energy could provide 1600GW on a zero-carbon grid, producing more electricity than consumed in all residential and commercial buildings in the country today.
Decarbonising the entire energy system could result in as much as 3000GW of solar by 2050 due to increased electrification in the transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors.
The study stated the US must install an average of 30GW of solar capacity per year between now and 2025 and 60GW per year from 2025-2030.
The study’s modelling further shows the remainder of a carbon-free grid largely supplied by wind (36%), nuclear (11-13%), hydroelectric (5-6%) and biopower/geothermal (1%).