Solar Surpasses Natural Gas as Top Energy Source in the US

Solar capacity additions in the US have surpassed natural gas in the first three quarters of 2023, accounting for 42.4% of new generating capacity, according to data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Solar capacity additions were almost a third larger year over year and exceeded those of natural gas, nuclear, oil, and waste heat. Other renewable energy sources, including wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, accounted for 56.7% of new capacity added. Solar's share of total installed US generating capacity is rapidly closing in on that of hydropower, and FERC projects a significant increase in solar capacity in the coming years.