1. The history of solar energy in the United States is a success story dating back to the creation of the first silicon solar cell in 1954.
2. Solar energy has grown to account for over 50% of new electricity generating capacity added to the grid in 2023, employing over 260,000 Americans.
3. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has played a central role in advocating for and promoting the growth of the solar industry over the last 50 years, leading to significant milestones and advancements in the sector.
The history of solar energy in the United States dates back to the creation of the first silicon solar cell 70 years ago. Since then, the solar industry has seen significant growth, with solar accounting for over 50% of new electricity generating capacity added to the grid in 2023 and employing over 260,000 Americans. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been a key player in driving the growth of the solar industry over the last 50 years.
Key milestones in the history of American solar energy include the introduction of the first silicon solar cells by Bell Labs in 1954, the opening of the first utility-scale solar farm in 1982, the passing of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act in 1978, and the installation of solar panels on the White House by Presidents Jimmy Carter in 1979 and Barack Obama in 2013.
More recent developments include the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the launch of the SunShot Initiative in 2011, and the achievement of 1 million solar installations in 2016. The U.S. solar industry has continued to grow rapidly, with SEIA celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024 as the industry’s leading advocate for policies that support solar energy’s expansion.