Florida has become the leading state for solar energy installations in the first half of 2023, overtaking California and Texas. Florida added 2,499 megawatts of solar power generation capacity, far exceeding the numbers of California (1,648 MW) and Texas (1,292 MW), according to a report from Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association. This increase in solar capacity is significant as it already exceeds the total installed solar capacity in the state in a single year.
The report also highlights overall solar energy growth in the United States, with a projected record 32 gigawatts of new solar capacity in 2023, a 52% increase compared to 2022. Wood Mackenzie predicts that the total operational solar energy capacity in the United States will increase to 375 gigawatts by 2028 from the current 153 gigawatts.
The increase in Florida’s solar power generation capacity is due to major growth. Florida Power & Light owns the majority of the increased capacity (1,769 MW), followed by Duke Energy (389 MW). However, residential solar capacity is also increasing in the state, with homeowners adding 332 MW of solar capacity in the first six months. This growth is reflected in the increase in net metering customers, with the number doubling between June 2021 and June 2023. Florida Power & Light surpassed Duke Energy in the number of net metering customers during the period.
The report also finds that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains is decreasing, allowing growth to increase. Additionally, Inflation Reduction Act incentives have played a role in supporting the solar energy industry. The future looks promising as new investments in domestic production are expected, which will further improve supply conditions.
Overall, Florida’s leadership in solar energy installations demonstrates the state’s potential as a major player in clean, renewable energy production.
