by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Solar electric generation is expected to account for 7% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2025, up from 4% in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

On Tuesday (Jan. 9), the EIA released its January Short-Term Energy Outlook that shows almost 80 gigawatts of solar power will start operating in the next two years, increasing U.S. solar generating capacity by 84% and making solar the leading source of growth in U.S. electricity generation through 2025.

“We are experiencing a significant shift in U.S. electric generation, as solar generation grows rapidly, taking market share from coal and tempering the growth in natural gas usage,” said EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis. “Coal and natural gas remain important to the U.S. electric grid, even as variable renewable resources such as solar and wind grow.”

EIA: Solar to lead U.S. electricity generation growth through 2025