GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Residential Solar Industry Statistics

The residential solar industry has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with an increasing number of households adopting solar energy to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Highlights: Residential Solar Industry Statistics

  • The global residential solar energy market was valued at USD 13.42 billion in 2019.
  • Residential solar capacity in the US reached over 15 gigawatts in 2019.
  • The US residential solar industry grew by 11% in 2020.
  • Australia has the highest residential solar panel use per capita in the world at 20-30%.
  • In 2020, the residential solar industry in California installed over 3 gigawatts of solar power.
  • The cost of residential solar panels has dropped 70% since 1998.
  • More than 2 million homes in the United States now have solar installed.
  • 25% of all residential solar installations in the United States are in California.
  • 92% of all new residential solar capacity installed in the US in Q3 2020 was customer owned, rather than leased.
  • Solar energy reduced electricity expenses of households by 50%.
  • Residential solar provided 0.6% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2019.
  • Solar power in the United States is expected to triple over next decade.
  • Hawaii has the highest percentage of residential solar usage among U.S. states at 21%.
  • Japan has over 8 million residential rooftop solar installations.
  • 73.4% of homeowners say the main reason to install residential solar is to save money on electricity bills.
  • 69% of all solar photovoltaics installed worldwide were solar panels.
  • By 2024, global solar panel installations may exceed a total of 600 GW.
  • There are over 75,000 working Americans in the residential solar industry.
  • About 200,000 U.S. homes installed solar panels in 2020.

AI Transparency Disclaimer 🔴🔵

Find all AI Apps we have used to create this article.

Hint: If you are a student, academic or journalist we can wholeheartedly recommend them :)

✍ We save hours writing with Jenni’s AI-powered text editor* and also use Rytr* for creating articles.

📄 We find information more quickly in our research process by chatting with PDFs, Reports & Books with the help of ChatPDF*, PDF.ai* & Askyourpdf*.

🔎 We search for citations and check if a publication has been cited by others with Scite.ai*.

🤖 We use QuillBot to paraphrase or summarize our research.

✅ We check and edit our research with ProWritingAid and Trinka.

🎉 We use Originality’s AI detector & plagiarism checker* to verify our research.

Table of Contents

The Latest Residential Solar Industry Statistics Explained

The global residential solar energy market was valued at USD 13.42 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the global market for residential solar energy was worth USD 13.42 billion. This figure represents the total value of solar energy systems installed in residential buildings worldwide during that year. The growth of the residential solar energy market can be attributed to increasing awareness of environmental issues, government incentives for renewable energy adoption, and advancements in solar technology that have made solar panels more accessible and cost-effective for homeowners. As more households choose to invest in solar energy as a sustainable and economical energy source, the market is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Residential solar capacity in the US reached over 15 gigawatts in 2019.

In 2019, the residential solar capacity in the United States surpassed 15 gigawatts, indicating the total amount of electricity that residential solar panels installed across households in the country could potentially generate. This statistic highlights the increasing popularity and adoption of solar energy among homeowners as they seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. The substantial growth in residential solar capacity signifies a significant shift towards renewable energy sources and the decreasing reliance on traditional fossil fuels for electricity generation in the US residential sector. It also reflects the potential for further expansion of solar energy infrastructure in residential areas to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future for the country.

The US residential solar industry grew by 11% in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the residential solar industry in the United States experienced a growth rate of 11% in the year 2020. This growth suggests an increasing demand for residential solar installations and adoption of solar energy technology among homeowners. The 11% growth rate showcases a positive trend in the industry, likely driven by factors such as decreasing costs of solar panels, government incentives, and a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of solar energy. This statistic reflects a promising outlook for the residential solar sector, indicating its potential for further expansion and impact in the coming years.

Australia has the highest residential solar panel use per capita in the world at 20-30%.

This statistic indicates that Australia has a significant adoption of residential solar panels relative to its population size when compared to other countries globally. With 20-30% of residential properties in Australia utilizing solar panels for generating electricity, it demonstrates a strong trend towards renewable energy sources and a shift towards sustainable practices within the country. This high per capita usage suggests that Australians are increasingly aware of the benefits of solar energy in terms of reducing dependency on traditional fossil fuels, cutting down electricity costs, and minimizing carbon footprints. It also highlights the country’s favorable conditions for solar energy generation, such as ample sunlight and supportive government policies and incentives, contributing to Australia’s position as a leader in residential solar panel adoption worldwide.

In 2020, the residential solar industry in California installed over 3 gigawatts of solar power.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the residential solar industry in California installed a total of over 3 gigawatts of solar power capacity. This significant amount of solar energy reflects a continued growth and adoption of solar technologies within the residential sector in the state. The installation of over 3 gigawatts of solar power demonstrates a strong commitment towards renewable energy and sustainability among California residents. This statistic underscores California’s leading role in promoting and implementing solar energy solutions, contributing towards reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

The cost of residential solar panels has dropped 70% since 1998.

The statistic that the cost of residential solar panels has dropped 70% since 1998 indicates a significant decrease in the average price of solar panels for residential use over the past two decades. This drop in cost may be attributed to various factors such as advancements in technology, increased competition among solar panel manufacturers, improved manufacturing processes, and government incentives promoting renewable energy adoption. The declining cost of residential solar panels is a positive trend that has made solar energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners, contributing to the widespread adoption of solar power as a renewable energy source.

More than 2 million homes in the United States now have solar installed.

The statistic ‘More than 2 million homes in the United States now have solar installed’ indicates that there has been a significant uptake of solar energy technology in residential properties across the country. This suggests a growing trend in homeowners opting for renewable and sustainable energy sources to power their homes. The substantial number of homes with solar installations highlights the increasing popularity of solar energy as a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy sources. It also reflects a shift towards embracing clean energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints and address environmental concerns in the United States.

25% of all residential solar installations in the United States are in California.

This statistic means that California accounts for a significant portion of residential solar installations in the United States, with 25% of such installations being located in the state. This indicates that California has a strong presence and adoption of solar energy among residential properties compared to other states. The high percentage suggests that California has favorable conditions for solar energy adoption, such as ample sunlight, supportive government policies, and a proactive approach towards sustainable energy practices. This statistic underscores California’s leading role in the adoption and promotion of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, within the residential sector in the United States.

92% of all new residential solar capacity installed in the US in Q3 2020 was customer owned, rather than leased.

The statistic indicates that a majority of the new residential solar capacity installed in the United States during the third quarter of 2020 was owned by customers themselves rather than being leased from a third party. This suggests a growing trend towards homeowners choosing to invest in solar energy systems for their residences, potentially driven by factors such as declining equipment costs, government incentives, and increasing awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of solar power. By opting for customer-owned solar systems, individuals have more control over their energy production and consumption, as well as the opportunity to potentially save money in the long term by generating their own clean energy.

Solar energy reduced electricity expenses of households by 50%.

The statistic “Solar energy reduced electricity expenses of households by 50%” signifies that households that have installed solar energy systems have experienced a substantial reduction in their electricity bills. This reduction amounts to an average of 50% for the households studied. This statistic highlights the significant cost-saving potential of utilizing solar energy as a renewable and sustainable alternative to traditional electricity sources. By harnessing the power of the sun, households can not only reduce their monthly expenses but also contribute to environmental sustainability by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions.

Residential solar provided 0.6% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2019.

In 2019, residential solar energy contributed 0.6% to the total electricity generation in the United States. This statistic indicates the proportion of electricity generated from solar panels installed on residential properties compared to the overall electricity generated nationwide. The relatively small percentage suggests that although residential solar power is growing in popularity and adoption, it still remains a minor player in the larger electricity generation landscape. However, as technology advances and renewable energy becomes more prominent, the contribution of residential solar power is expected to increase in the future.

Solar power in the United States is expected to triple over next decade.

The statistic “Solar power in the United States is expected to triple over the next decade” indicates a significant anticipated growth in the utilization of solar energy in the country. This forecast suggests that the capacity for generating electricity from solar sources is projected to increase threefold within the next ten years, showcasing a growing trend towards renewable energy adoption. This expansion in solar power capacity could be driven by various factors such as declining costs of solar technology, government incentives and policies supporting renewable energy, and an increasing awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. The tripling of solar power in the U.S. over the next decade signifies a positive shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy landscape.

Hawaii has the highest percentage of residential solar usage among U.S. states at 21%.

The statistic “Hawaii has the highest percentage of residential solar usage among U.S. states at 21%” indicates that Hawaii has the greatest proportion of households utilizing solar energy compared to all other states in the U.S. Specifically, 21% of residential properties in Hawaii have installed solar panels or other solar energy systems to generate electricity. This statistic showcases Hawaii’s strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, possibly due to factors such as abundant sunshine, high electricity costs, and state policies supporting the adoption of solar technology. By leading in residential solar usage, Hawaii serves as an exemplar for other states in transitioning towards cleaner and more environmentally friendly power sources.

Japan has over 8 million residential rooftop solar installations.

The statistic that Japan has over 8 million residential rooftop solar installations indicates a significant adoption of solar energy among Japanese households. This high number of installations suggests a widespread interest and investment in renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, as a means of reducing reliance on traditional energy sources, lowering electricity costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability. The residential sector’s embrace of solar energy also reflects policy incentives, technological advancements, and a growing awareness of the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. The large-scale adoption of rooftop solar installations in Japan highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and serves as an example for other nations seeking to accelerate their transition to renewable energy.

73.4% of homeowners say the main reason to install residential solar is to save money on electricity bills.

The statistic indicates that 73.4% of homeowners cite saving money on electricity bills as the primary motivation for installing residential solar panels. This suggests that a significant majority of homeowners view solar energy as a cost-saving investment rather than solely for environmental reasons or other motivations. The data implies that financial considerations play a key role in the decision-making process for adopting solar energy in residential settings. This statistic underscores the importance of the economic benefits associated with solar energy in the eyes of homeowners, highlighting the potential for significant savings on electricity costs as a primary driver for adopting renewable energy solutions.

69% of all solar photovoltaics installed worldwide were solar panels.

The statistic that 69% of all solar photovoltaics installed worldwide were solar panels indicates that the majority of solar energy generation comes from solar panels specifically designed to convert sunlight into electricity. This suggests that solar panel technology is the most commonly utilized form of solar photovoltaics globally, emphasizing its popularity and effectiveness in harnessing solar energy. The high percentage also implies a significant global investment in and adoption of solar panel technology as a key component in the renewable energy landscape, highlighting its importance in the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production system on a large scale.

By 2024, global solar panel installations may exceed a total of 600 GW.

The statistic suggests that the installation of solar panels globally is projected to reach a significant milestone by the year 2024, potentially exceeding a total capacity of 600 gigawatts (GW). This forecast indicates a substantial growth in the adoption of solar energy technology worldwide, showcasing a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of solar power, along with advancements in technology and decreasing costs, are likely driving this upward trend in solar panel installations. Achieving this level of solar capacity by 2024 could mark a significant advancement towards a more sustainable and renewable energy future on a global scale.

There are over 75,000 working Americans in the residential solar industry.

The statistic indicates that there are more than 75,000 individuals who are currently employed in the residential solar industry in the United States. This suggests a considerable and growing workforce dedicated to the installation, maintenance, sales, and support of solar energy systems for residential properties. The fact that such a large number of Americans are working in the residential solar sector highlights the increasing popularity and demand for renewable energy solutions in the country. Additionally, it also reflects the potential for job creation and economic growth within the clean energy industry as the transition to sustainable energy sources continues to gain momentum.

About 200,000 U.S. homes installed solar panels in 2020.

The statistic “About 200,000 U.S. homes installed solar panels in 2020” signifies the growing trend of adopting renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, among homeowners in the United States. This data point reflects a significant increase in the uptake of solar energy systems, potentially driven by factors such as decreasing costs of solar technology, government incentives, and a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of solar energy. The continued growth in residential solar installations points towards a shift towards sustainable energy practices and a collective effort to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

References

0. – https://www.www.iea-pvps.org

1. – https://www.www.seia.org

2. – https://www.www.eia.gov

3. – https://www.www.iea.org

4. – https://www.news.energysage.com

5. – https://www.www.greentechmedia.com

6. – https://www.www.researchandmarkets.com

7. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

8. – https://www.www.woodmac.com

9. – https://www.www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au

10. – https://www.www.solarpowerworldonline.com

11. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

12. – https://www.www.energy.gov

13. – https://www.pv-magazine-usa.com

14. – https://www.www.energysage.com

15. – https://www.www.nrel.gov

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!