The new study DOE Solar Futures, published on Wednesday, shows that in 2035 solar energy has the potential to power 40% of the country’s electricity and create up to 1.5 million jobs, without increasing costs electrical for consumers.
“The study highlights the fact that solar power, our cheapest and fastest growing source of clean energy, could produce enough electricity to power all U.S. homes by 2035 and employ 1.5 millions of people in the process, ”said Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm.
Solar currently accounts for approximately 3% of U.S. electricity supply. The study shows that the United States should quadruple its annual solar capacity additions by 2035, providing 1,000 gigawatts of power to ensure most of the power grid is powered by renewable energy.
Whether this transition can take place will largely depend on the renewable energy measures that Congress Democrats can pass in their next budget reconciliation bill.