By any objective measure, 2023 was a landmark year for solar. According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), in 2023 solar represented 53 percent of all new installed electricity capacity. That’s the first time ever solar has been more than half of all new generation. More than 32.4 gigawatts of new capacity was added in 2023.
SEIA has also released its list of Top 5 Solar States for 2023, ranking the states by total new capacity added. Here are the top five:
The top three states aren’t hugely surprising, but Colorado and Ohio, two northern “purple” states with long winters, rounding out the top five is welcome news for solar advocates.
Ohio is a long-time leader in solar manufacturing, according to SEIA, so it’s fantastic that the state is now a leader in installed solar, as well.
Colorado governor Jared Polis recently signed a bill into law boosting clean energy in the state. The law sets a goal of 100 percent reduction in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, so Colorado should continue its strong showing in the rankings.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
