U.S. Domestic Solar Production Reaches Historic Milestone

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Washington, D.C. - The United States has surpassed 50 GW in domestic solar energy manufacturing capacity for the first time in history, enough to power approximately 37.5 million homes. This milestone marks an impressive progress—bolstered by clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—by the renewable energy sector to pave the path towards an emission-free future. 

As of December 2023, the solar energy sector represents nearly 280,000 well-paying, stable jobs. The cost of renewable energy generation is also proven to be 30 percent lower than the operational cost at most coal plants in the country. 

Despite solar energy being cheaper than fossil fuels and creating job opportunities across the country, Donald Trump has halted investments in the Solar For All program. His attack on solar will raise prices for families, and take away jobs created under the Biden Administration.  

In response, Sierra Club Chief Program Officer Holly Bender issued the following statement: 

“The huge increase in solar manufacturing in the U.S.  is proof that with the right policies and investments, our country can achieve a carbon-free future. This is not just a win for the environment, but also for the hardworking families who will see lower energy bills and more stable jobs in the green economy. 

“Americans want reliable, affordable electricity that doesn’t come at the cost of their health or their budget. That’s why we will continue to push the energy sector to embrace the clean energy transformation and take advantage of the readily-available technology to achieve a cleaner, healthier future for the next generation.”

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.