Introduction

The solar industry plays a crucial role in the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. As of the first half of 2023, the cumulative total of installed solar capacity in the U.S. reached 153 gigawatts direct current (GWdc). This figure is anticipated to almost triple, reaching 375 GWdc by the end of 2028, underlining the sustained, strong growth of the solar industry.

The cost of solar installations has continued to decrease, further enhancing the affordability and appeal of solar energy. The overall solar industry is expected to continue growing, with solar power generation forecasted to grow by 75% from 2023 to 2025. By the end of 2024, the total solar capacity in the U.S. is expected to reach approximately 131 GW, a significant increase from 95 GW at the end of 2023.

The solar energy sector in the U.S. is witnessing substantial growth, driven by declining costs, increasing installations, and significant contributions to the national economy. Despite some market challenges, the outlook for solar energy remains positive, with expectations of continued expansion in the coming years.

Why This Guide?

This guide is an introduction to photovoltaics. We’ll cover how a photovoltaic system produces energy, how to mitigate shade losses, and other basics.