Solar Energy Generation by State

U.S. solar generation of electricity experienced a small increase from December to January, going up 5.4%% nationwide. However seven states generated less solar power in January 2024  than they did in December 2023.

The following table ranks the best and worst states for solar energy production (shown in thousand megawatt-hours) in December and January, 1 represents the best state for solar energy production. The table also highlights the solar energy generation percentage change from month to month. Alabama, Alaska, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and North Dakota did not generate solar energy in January.

Solar energy by state is just one component of electricity generation. States produce power from a variety of sources, including solar energy. Other common energy sources include coal, natural gas, nuclear, and wind power. Some states may not generate as much electricity as others, but they do produce a higher percentage of solar energy than other power sources.

Nationally, solar accounted for about 3.8% of the electricity produced in January. California is the top state in this list, with about 22.4% of its electricity coming from solar generation. Following are the states that produced the largest percentage of their power from solar:

You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.

• The cost of solar energy
• Solar energy and Texas rooftops
• Solar energy generation by state
• Long duration battery storage could help solar growth
• The cost of solar panels
• Washington D.C. Solar
• Electricity rates by state

Are you a journalist or researcher writing about this topic who needs to know more about historical rates? Send us details about what you need and we’ll get back to you with an answer and a relevant quote from one of our rate experts.

Solar generation FAQS

How is solar energy measured?

Solar energy production is measured in megawatt-hours. One megawatt-hour equals 1,000 kilowatt-hours, which are used to measure residential energy use on electricity bills.

Why is solar becoming more popular?

The cost of residential solar panels has fallen by 40% in the last decade, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Decreasing prices combined with federal and state incentives have led to an increase in the popularity of home solar panels. Federal, state, and local governments have also set varying renewable energy goals, encouraging power plants to invest in sources like solar energy.

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that we use to power our homes. To do this, the panel modules capture energy from the sun and turn it into direct current (DC) energy. Solar arrays have an inverter, which converts the DC energy into alternating current (AC) energy — the type of electricity that powers your home. If you keep your solar panel system connected to the power grid, you can also pull electricity from the grid when your system isn’t producing energy.