As the world transitions to clean energy, solar power is leading the charge, with the think tank Ember reporting that it has "been the fastest-growing source of electricity generation for nineteen years running." The environmentalist, activist, and pioneering journalist Bill McKibben explained in an article for the New Yorker that the green revolution has been quietly taking place since the 1950s, but in just the last two years, solar has experienced explosive growth.
He said that it took the world around 70 years to install a terawatt of solar energy, and only two years for the second to come online. The third is expected to be installed by 2026, demonstrating how falling costs, supportive government policies, and technological advancements are fueling the acceleration in solar deployment.
"Solar power is now growing faster than any power source in history, and it is closely followed by wind power," McKibben stated, with data from Ember showing that solar generation experienced record growth in 2024, adding 474 terawatt-hours of generation out of 858 TWh of total added renewable power. The surging demand for sun-powered energy helped drive global clean power generation above 40%, a new milestone.
McKibben added that in the United States last year, solar, wind, and batteries supplied around 93% of new generating capacity, while oil, gas, and coal provided less than half of the country's electricity. It's been a long time coming, but the world is finally moving away from polluting energy sources toward renewable ones, with solar illuminating the path to a brighter future.
Switching to solar energy is not only beneficial on a global scale but also individually, as it significantly reduces energy bills while lowering residential pollution.
If you're interested in investing in solar energy, EnergySage can help you find the right system with its free tools, which allow you to get quick estimates from vetted contractors. Many homeowners can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations by shopping with EnergySage. The company's free mapping tool can help maximize your savings by showing you the average cost of a home system and available tax incentives in your state.
If you rent or simply don't want to spend thousands in upfront costs on solar, leasing through Palmetto's LightReach program will still allow you to reap the benefits of solar for much less, with some plans offering zero down. The company will handle installation and maintenance, allowing you to sit back and enjoy lower energy bills.
Pairing solar with a heat pump can seriously drive down your electricity costs, and Mitsubishi can help you find the right system and installer for your needs and budget using its convenient online tools.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
Make sure to complete your solar installations and home appliance upgrades by the end of this year, as the federal incentives and rebates will expire.
Even without the tax breaks, though, solar is a solid investment that will quickly pay off as you can eliminate or greatly reduce your electric bills and gain energy independence.
"Globally, roughly a third more power is being generated from the sun this spring than last," McKibben said in the New Yorker. "If this exponential rate of growth can continue, we will soon live in a very different world."
|
What would you be willing to pay upfront for solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$5000 or more 💰 
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Cool Picks
