U.S. Solar Power Surges 50% in 2023, Texas Leads Growth Amid Infrastructure Challenges and Climate Regulations.

Solar power experienced a record-breaking year, with 32.4 GW of new solar generating capacity installed in the US, a more than 50% increase from the previous year, according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. This is the first time a renewable power source grew faster than other types of electricity since World War II. Texas and California led the pack with the highest total gigawatts installed, with Texas leading with 6.5 GW and California the most. However, the U.S.’s current power lines cannot handle the growing electricity supply from new solar and wind projects. The Securities and Exchange Commission approves new rules requiring public companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, but excludes emissions from their products. The private sector has matched $5.47 for every dollar the Inflation Reduction Act put towards clean energy incentives, resulting in nearly $750 billion in the first year after the law passed. The continental U.K. experienced its warmest winter on record, driven largely by climate change, with average temperatures exceeding past averages by up to 10°F. Several states are considering giving regulators more power to step in when coal plants are slated for retirement, with some suggesting this could be a necessary move due to increased renewable energy production.