Data released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has revealed that utility-scale solar’s contribution to the countrys net electrical generation grew by 102% last year.

The figures from EIAs latest Electric Power Monthly report are for large-scale PV only, and do not take into account ‘behind-the-meter’ generation, so that actual total of solar PV installed across the states in 2014 will be higher.

Nevertheless, solar was the prime driver of the non-hydro renewable sector, which increased electrical generation capacity by 11% on average in 2014, with wind growing 8.3%, biomass 5.7% and geothermal 5.4%.

Coal power, on the other hand, saw its contribution to electricity generation grow by a mere 0.3%, with nuclear increasing only slightly more, at 1% growth. Natural gas electrical generation actually fell by 0.3% in 2014, whereas net electrical generation from all energy sources increased modestly, rising by 0.7% last year when compared to 2013 figures.

The EIA calculates that renewable energy sources  including hydropower  accounted for almost 14% of net U.S. electrical generation in 2014, of which large-scale solar accounted for 0.45% (compared to hydropower at 6.32% and wind at 4.44%). Solar PVs nationwide contribution to U.S. electrical generation is likely to be far higher, however, once power generated by off-grid and distributed (rooftop) installations are accounted for.

"Given current growth rates  especially for solar and wind  it is quite possible that renewable energy sources will reach, or exceed, 14% of the nations electrical supply by the end of 2015," said Ken Bossong of the SUN SAY Campaign. "That is a level that EIA, only a few years ago, was forecasting would not be achieved until the year 2040."

Popular content This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com. Share Ian Clover Ian joined the pv magazine team in 2013 and specializes in power electronics (inverters) and battery storage. Ian also reports on the UK solar market, having worked as a print and web journalist in Britain for various multimedia companies, covering topics ranging from renewable energy and sustainability to real estate, sport and film. More articles from Ian Clover Related content Elsewhere on pv magazine...