The number of cumulative residential solar systems installed in the United States has increased significantly in the last years. In 2017, there were approximately 1.6 million of residential solar PV systems across the U.S.. By 2023, that number had increased by more than three million, reaching approximately 4.7 million systems.

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US Residential Solar Market Size 2025-2029

The US residential solar market size is forecast to increase by USD 10.93 billion at a CAGR of 12.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The Residential Solar Market in the US is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing investments in renewable energy and the adoption of solar power as a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution. The integration of residential energy storage systems is a key trend, enabling solar panels to function as virtual power plants during peak energy usage hours. This not only reduces reliance on traditional power grids but also provides energy security and stability. However, the market faces challenges, including the availability of alternative technologies such as wind and geothermal energy, which may impact the competitiveness of solar power.
Additionally, the upfront costs of solar panel installation and maintenance can be a barrier for some homeowners. To navigate these challenges, companies can explore partnerships with energy providers, offer financing options, and focus on improving the efficiency and affordability of their solar panel systems. Moreover, the emergence of smart home technology and the integration of solar panels with other home systems, such as heating and cooling, can create new opportunities for innovation and growth in the market. Companies like Tesla, SunPower, and Sunrun are leading the charge, offering integrated solar and energy storage solutions to meet the evolving needs of homeowners.
By staying attuned to these trends and challenges, companies can effectively capitalize on the potential of the Residential Solar Market in the US and position themselves for long-term success.

What will be the size of the US Residential Solar Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The residential solar market in the US is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing importance of green energy in mitigating climate change. Solar system sizing and design have become crucial aspects of energy infrastructure, enabling energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. The integration of solar energy with electric vehicles and energy management systems is transforming the market. Energy conservation, energy efficiency, and smart grid technologies are essential components of this transition. Solar irradiance and resource assessment play a vital role in solar energy simulation and modeling, ensuring optimal system performance. Building energy efficiency and industrial energy efficiency improvements are complementary to solar system implementation.
Energy policy and grid modernization are shaping the market landscape, with a focus on energy economics and energy storage technologies. Solar panel cleaning and maintenance are essential for maximizing system productivity. Sustainable development and renewable energy are key trends, with solar system monitoring and energy audits providing valuable insights for businesses.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Technology

  Crystalline silicon
  Thin-film


Location

  California
  Florida
  Arizona
  Rest of US


Type

  Rooftop solar systems
  Ground-mounted solar systems


Connectivity

  On-grid solar systems
  Off-grid solar systems


Geography

  North America

    US

By Technology Insights

The crystalline silicon segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The residential solar market in the US is witnessing significant growth, driven by advancements in solar technology and increasing consumer demand for sustainable energy solutions. Solar energy systems, including solar panels made from crystalline silicon, are at the forefront of this trend. Crystalline silicon is the most widely used solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the US, with modules built using highly stable c-Si solar cells delivering efficiencies of around 20%. Two types of c-Si are used to manufacture PV modules: mono-crystalline silicon and multi-c-Si. Both types function similarly in the overall solar PV system, converting solar energy into electricity. Mono-crystalline panels are produced by molding silicon into bars and cutting it into wafers, while multi-c-Si solar panels are made by melting silicon fragments together.

Solar energy distribution is facilitated through grid-tied systems, enabling excess energy generated to be fed back into the grid. Solar maintenance is crucial for optimal system performance, with regular monitoring and solar panel cleaning essential. Solar energy research cont

The solar power capacity installed across United States' homes increased from roughly 667 megawatts in 2010 to almost 36.3 gigawatts in 2023. The growth has been specially pronounced during the last two years. Between 2020 and 2023, over 15 gigawatts of residential solar were installed in the U.S.. That is more than one third of the total installed capacity as of 2023.

The residential solar market in the United States continues to grow, with Sunrun leading the pack as the largest installer in 2023. Holding an ** percent market share, Sunrun outpaced competitors like Freedom Forever and SunPower, while Tesla Energy secured the fifth position with a *** percent share. In that same year, Tesla Energy generated a revenue of over *** billion U.S. dollars, experiencing significant revenue growth from the last few years. Growth of U.S. home solar As of 2023, residential solar PV capacity in the U.S. surpassed ** gigawatts, accounting for about ** percent of total solar installations nationwide. California, Texas, and Florida lead in residential solar system installations, with California boasting approximately **** gigawatts of home solar at the end of 2023. The market expansion is evident in the newly installed residential sector PV capacity, which reached *** gigawatts in 2023, a ** percent increase from the previous year. Market trends and future outlook The residential solar market shows promising growth potential. The number of solar-equipped homes in the U.S. reached *** million in 2023, with projections indicating a substantial increase to **** million by 2032, which equates to a penetration rate of roughly ** percent of single-unit housing. Detached single-family homes dominate the residential solar market, accounting for ** percent of home solar system installations in 2023.

In 2023, newly installed residential sector PV in the United States reached a capacity of 6.8 gigawatts. This figure represents an increase in comparison to the previous year.

In 2022, California was the state with the largest number of installed residential solar systems in the United States. The Golden State had more than 216 million systems as of the end of that year. Arizona and Texas followed with over 245,000 and 217,000 home solar systems. The total number of residential solar installations has increased significantly in the last years across the United States.

Residential Solar Market Outlook

The global residential solar market size in 2023 is estimated to be around USD 55 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% to reach approximately USD 145 billion by 2032. This impressive growth trajectory is driven by a multitude of factors, including increasing environmental awareness, the declining cost of solar technology, and supportive governmental policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. As the world moves towards sustainable energy solutions, residential solar systems have emerged as a primary contributor to the energy transformation, providing eco-friendly power alternatives to homeowners.

The growth of the residential solar market is significantly fueled by the declining cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Over the past decade, technological advancements have led to enhanced efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs of solar panels, making them more affordable for residential use. Furthermore, innovations in energy storage solutions, such as batteries, have increased the reliability of solar energy, allowing homeowners to store excess energy for later use. This technological progress has made solar power a viable and attractive option for individual homeowners and housing communities alike, encouraging widespread adoption across the globe.

Government incentives and policies also play a crucial role in the market's expansion. Many countries are implementing favorable policies, such as tax credits, rebates, and feed-in tariffs, to promote the adoption of solar energy. These initiatives are designed to make solar installations more financially accessible and appealing to homeowners. For instance, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in the United States has been instrumental in driving the growth of the residential solar market by allowing homeowners to deduct a significant portion of the installation cost from their taxes. Such policies have provided a substantial boost to the solar industry, encouraging more individuals to transition to renewable energy sources.

Rising environmental consciousness among consumers is another significant driver of market growth. As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation intensify, more individuals are seeking sustainable living solutions, with solar energy at the forefront of this movement. The desire to reduce carbon footprints and achieve energy independence is motivating homeowners to invest in residential solar systems. Furthermore, the long-term financial benefits of reduced electricity bills make solar power an economically attractive option, further accelerating its adoption. This growing awareness and preference for clean energy contribute to the robust expansion of the residential solar market globally.

Regionally, the market exhibits diverse growth patterns, with Asia Pacific leading the charge due to rapid urbanization and increasing energy demands. The region's abundant sunlight and favorable economic conditions have made it an attractive market for residential solar systems. North America and Europe also show promising growth prospects, driven by strong government support and consumer demand for clean energy. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa are beginning to explore the potential of solar energy, although infrastructural challenges and policy limitations may slow their progress. Overall, the regional outlook for the residential solar market remains optimistic, with significant growth expected across all major regions.

As the residential solar market continues to expand, innovative solutions like Residential Solar Carport Sales are gaining traction. These solar carports not only provide shade and protection for vehicles but also serve as a sustainable energy source by harnessing solar power. They are particularly advantageous in urban areas where space is limited, allowing homeowners to maximize their property’s energy potential without sacrificing valuable land. By integrating solar panels into carport structures, residents can generate electricity for their homes while reducing their carbon footprint. This dual functionality makes solar carports an attractive option for eco-conscious homeowners looking to enhance their property's energy efficiency.

Product Type Analysis

The residential solar market offers a variety of product types, with monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels being the primary categories. Monocrystalline solar

The US residential solar market is at a crossroads as proposed legislative changes threaten tax credits and introduce new tariffs, potentially impacting growth and affordability.

In 2023, the average cost of residential solar systems in the United States stood at **** U.S. dollars per watt. Although the cost of residential solar has slightly increased in the last three years, it is still less than **** the average cost registered in 2010. The decrease in the cost of residential solar systems has contributed to the great increase in the solar capacity installed in U.S. households across the country.

Gambit's Residential Solar Energy Prospects data provide reliable and up-to-date contact information for single-family-dwelling US homeowners. Gambit can provide Names, Numbers, Addresses, and Emails needed for your marketing outreach. In addition to contact information, we offer custom audience build outs to fit your business's strategy and budget including location, behavioral, and demographic lead qualifications such as:

-Screening for existing solar customers -EV and hybrid vehicle owners -Tesla owners -Proximity to existing solar customers -Eco-conscientious behavior -Demographic attributes -12+ months exclusivity

We recognize that every business has unique needs for data applications and frequently find pre-built data sets too bulky, too expensive, or out of scope. If your application requires additional attributes or features not already included, Gambit also offers affordable alternative solutions through custom data sets that are optimized to meet your application's needs.

This data is aggregated via publicly available sources using proprietary methodologies.

The United States Solar Energy Market Report is Segmented by Type (Solar Photovoltaic and Concentrated Solar Power), Mounting Type (Ground-Mounted, Rooftop, and Floating Solar), and End-Use (Utility-Scale, Commercial and Industrial, and Residential). The Market Sizes and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Installed Capacity (GW).

The United States distributed solar energy industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about climate change, falling solar panel costs, supportive government policies like tax incentives and net metering programs, and rising electricity prices. The market, estimated at $XX million in 2025, is projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 10% through 2033. This expansion is fueled by a significant increase in residential and commercial rooftop solar installations, coupled with community solar projects that offer access to solar energy to renters and those without suitable rooftops. Key trends include the increasing adoption of energy storage solutions alongside solar panels, enhancing grid reliability and enabling greater self-consumption of generated power. Furthermore, technological advancements are leading to higher efficiency panels and improved installation methods, reducing costs and installation times. While regulatory hurdles and permitting processes can present challenges, the overall market outlook remains exceptionally positive, driven by strong consumer demand and a transition towards cleaner energy sources. Despite the positive trends, the industry faces certain restraints. Intermittency of solar power remains a concern, although this is mitigated by advancements in energy storage and smart grid technologies. Furthermore, land availability, especially in densely populated areas, and competition from established energy providers can impact growth. However, the decreasing cost of solar technology and the increasing awareness of environmental sustainability continue to outweigh these challenges. The competitive landscape is highly dynamic, with both large multinational corporations like First Solar and Canadian Solar, and smaller regional installers vying for market share. The market is segmented based on various factors like installation type (residential, commercial, utility-scale), technology (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film), and geographic location, with significant regional variations in growth rates and market penetration. The United States, with its substantial land area and supportive policy environment, presents a particularly attractive market for distributed solar. This substantial market is further enhanced by favorable financial incentives and a growing consumer preference for renewable energy solutions. Notable trends are: Increasing Demand for Clean Electricity.

The surging popularity of solar power amid environmental concerns has led to an uptick in installations. As electricity prices skyrocket, consumers and businesses seek ways to reduce their utility bills. Solar energy not only helps reduce costs but also cuts down on carbon emissions while promoting sustainability. Revenue for installation services swelled at a CAGR of 6.6% to 22.9 billion over the past five years, including a 5.4% hike in 2025 alone. The introduction of the investment tax credit (ITC), which offered a 30.0% tax credit, became a catalyst for installations. Initially, the tax credit was set to dip and expire in 2024. The recent Inflation Reduction Act reverted the credit to 30.0% and extended it until 2032. State and local governments also offer additional incentives for switching to solar. Increasing residential construction in 2020 and 2021 led to more installations as many new housing projects included solar panels to receive LEED certification and meet green initiatives targets. Low-cost imports from Asia and favorable regulations like the 24-month tariff pause led to the price of panels falling, causing installation services to charge less and attracting more customers. Profit remained afloat because of the influx of new installations. The Inflation Reduction Act significantly boosted domestic solar panel manufacturing, allowing installation companies to diversify their supply chains. Production and investment tax credits incentivized manufacturers to expand or establish new facilities, reducing dependence on foreign products. By sourcing panels domestically, installers now benefit from lower costs and are better prepared for future tariffs on China and Southeast Asian countries, especially as existing tariff waivers have expired. The continuation of ITCs will aid installations moving forward. Rising environmental concerns and the urge to go green will lead to more commercial and government buildings switching to solar panels to meet ESG standards and green goals. With more consumers and businesses moving toward solar power, contractors will hire more employees to fulfill the influx of new projects. Solar panel installation revenue will grow at a CAGR of 4.6% to $28.7 billion through 2030.

Residential Solar Panels Market Outlook

The global residential solar panels market size was valued at USD 25.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 76.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% from 2024 to 2032. The increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, along with government incentives and declining costs of solar technology, are significant growth factors driving this market.

One of the primary growth factors for the residential solar panels market is the increasing awareness of environmental sustainability. As concerns about climate change and carbon footprints become more prominent, consumers are seeking renewable energy solutions to reduce their environmental impact. Solar panels offer a clean and renewable source of energy that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making them an attractive option for environmentally-conscious homeowners. Furthermore, many countries are implementing stricter regulations and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, further encouraging the adoption of solar energy.

In addition to environmental benefits, economic incentives play a crucial role in the growth of the residential solar panels market. Governments worldwide are offering various subsidies, tax credits, and rebates to promote the use of solar energy. These financial incentives make solar panels a more affordable and viable option for homeowners. The decreasing cost of solar panel technology is another significant factor. Over the past decade, advancements in solar technology and increased production have led to a considerable drop in the price of solar panels, making them accessible to a broader range of consumers.

The advancement in battery storage technology is also a critical growth factor for the residential solar panels market. Modern energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, allow homeowners to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during nighttime or cloudy days. This capability enhances the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems, making them a more practical and appealing option for residential use. Moreover, the integration of smart home technologies with solar panel systems provides homeowners with better control and monitoring of their energy consumption and generation.

Regionally, the residential solar panels market is witnessing significant growth across various regions, with North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific leading the way. North America, particularly the United States, is one of the largest markets for residential solar panels, driven by favorable government policies, increasing energy costs, and a growing awareness of environmental issues. Europe is also a significant market, with countries like Germany and the United Kingdom adopting solar energy at a rapid pace. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate, fueled by the rising demand for energy, rapid urbanization, and supportive government measures in countries like China, India, and Japan.

Product Type Analysis

The residential solar panels market is segmented by product type into monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels are known for their high efficiency and long lifespan. They are made from a single crystal structure, which allows them to convert more sunlight into electricity compared to other types. This high efficiency makes them particularly suitable for homes with limited roof space, where maximizing energy output is crucial. Although they are more expensive than other types, their superior performance justifies the higher cost for many consumers.

Polycrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, are made from silicon crystals that are melted together. They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels but are more cost-effective, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a balance between performance and cost. Polycrystalline panels are also easier to produce, which contributes to their lower price. They are an excellent option for homes with larger roof spaces where the efficiency of individual panels is less critical, and the lower overall cost is more appealing.

Thin-film solar panels are the least efficient of the three types but are known for their flexibility and lightweight properties. These panels are made by depositing one or more layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate. Their flexibility allows them to be used in a variety of applications where traditional rigid panels would not be suitable. Thin-film panels are also less

As of 2024, roughly five percent of single-unit housing in the United States was equipped with solar panels. The market penetration of residential solar is projected to increase in the next years, reaching some 18 percent by 2032. This translates to roughly 17.6 million U.S. homes powered by solar in that year. The landscape of residential solar in the U.S. In 2023, the residential solar PV capacity in the U.S. grew to more than 36 gigawatts, which represents roughly 20 percent of the total solar installations in the country. California, Arizona, and Texas are the states with the highest number of residential solar systems. As of end of 2022, California had roughly 1.7 million homes with a solar PV system installed. The state is the leading solar market in the United States. U.S. commercial solar systems The commercial solar market, comprised of on-site installations for businesses, governments, and non-profits, has also grown significantly in the last years. In 2023, the installed solar PV commercial capacity reached almost 19 gigawatts in the United States. The cost of commercial solar systems in the U.S. is roughly half of that of residential solar, amounting to some 1.62 U.S. dollars per watt installed.

The residential solar energy market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing electricity costs, environmental concerns, and supportive government policies like tax incentives and net metering programs. A CAGR of 6.69% indicates a steadily expanding market, projected to reach significant value over the forecast period (2025-2033). While precise market size figures for 2025 aren't provided, estimations based on industry reports and the provided CAGR suggest a substantial market value in the billions, with North America and Asia-Pacific regions leading in adoption. Key growth drivers include decreasing solar panel costs, advancements in energy storage technologies (batteries), and increasing consumer awareness of the long-term financial benefits of solar power. However, challenges remain, including the intermittent nature of solar energy (requiring supplementary energy sources or battery storage), permitting complexities and installation costs, and variations in government support across different regions. The market segmentation by region highlights variations in market maturity and growth potential; for example, while the United States demonstrates strong adoption, developing economies in Asia-Pacific present significant untapped potential for future expansion. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with major players like Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, and Tesla vying for market share through innovation, cost optimization, and strategic partnerships. The continued growth trajectory hinges on overcoming existing restraints, including addressing grid infrastructure limitations and enhancing the efficiency and affordability of energy storage solutions. Further development and accessibility of financing options will also stimulate market growth, particularly in regions with lower household incomes. Technological advancements, such as advancements in solar panel efficiency and smarter energy management systems, will also play a pivotal role in shaping market trends over the next decade. Competition among established players and the emergence of new entrants will further accelerate innovation and create more competitive pricing for consumers. The market's success will depend on a coordinated effort from policymakers, technology developers, and the solar energy industry to provide accessible and reliable clean energy solutions to residential consumers. Recent developments include: April 2024: The German government released a new rooftop solar tender seeking 258MW of PV capacity. The maximum bid price is expected to be EUR 0.105/kWh (USD 0.113/kWh)., February 2024: The Indian government approved a USD 9 billion plan to add solar panels to 10 million homes, boosting a laggard industry in the country's transition efforts., March 2023: North Carolina regulators issued an order to strengthen the state’s solar market by approving a three-year glide path for solar customers to transition from monthly credits to a more dynamic time-of-use rate structure that incentivizes the use of solar when it is most valuable.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Favorable Government Policies4.; Reduced Cost of Solar Energy Systems. Potential restraints include: 4., Favorable Government Policies4.; Reduced Cost of Solar Energy Systems. Notable trends are: Increasing Rooftop Solar Installations to Drive the Market.

Berkeley Lab's Tracking the Sun report series is dedicated to summarizing installed prices and other trends among grid-connected, distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States. The present report, the 11th edition in the series, focuses on systems installed through year-end 2017, with preliminary trends for the first half of 2018. As in years past, the primary emphasis is on describing changes in installed prices over time and variation in pricing across projects based on location, project ownership, system design, and other attributes. New to this year, however, is an expanded discussion of other project characteristics in the large underlying data sample. Future editions will include more of such material, beyond the reports traditional focus on installed pricing. The trends described in this report derive primarily from project-level data reported to state agencies and utilities that administer PV incentive programs, solar renewable energy credit (SREC) registration systems, or interconnection processes. In total, data were collected and cleaned for more than 1.3 million individual PV systems, representing 81% of U.S. residential and non-residential PV systems installed through 2017. The analysis of installed pricing trends is based on a subset of roughly 770,000 systems with available installed price data.

Residential solar PV capacity reached roughly 11.7 gigawatts in California in 2023. The state ranked first among all U.S. states by a wide margin in terms of residential solar capacity. In total, California had almost 48.5 gigawatts of solar power installed as of June 2024.

In 2023, the capacity of utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems reached almost 125 gigawatts direct current in the United States. Meanwhile, residential solar systems accounted for over 36 gigawatts direct current.

Solar Footprints in CaliforniaThis GIS dataset consists of polygons that represent the footprints of solar powered electric generation facilities and related infrastructure in California called Solar Footprints. The location of solar footprints was identified using other existing solar footprint datasets from various sources along with imagery interpretation. CEC staff reviewed footprints identified with imagery and digitized polygons to match the visual extent of each facility. Previous datasets of existing solar footprints used to locate solar facilities include: GIS Layers: (1) California Solar Footprints, (2) UC Berkeley Solar Points, (3) Kruitwagen et al. 2021, (4) BLM Renewable Project Facilities, (5) Quarterly Fuel and Energy Report (QFER)Imagery Datasets: Esri World Imagery, USGS National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP), 2020 SENTINEL 2 Satellite Imagery, 2023Solar facilities with large footprints such as parking lot solar, large rooftop solar, and ground solar were included in the solar footprint dataset. Small scale solar (approximately less than 0.5 acre) and residential footprints were not included. No other data was used in the production of these shapes. Definitions for the solar facilities identified via imagery are subjective and described as follows: Rooftop Solar: Solar arrays located on rooftops of large buildings. Parking lot Solar: Solar panels on parking lots roughly larger than 1 acre, or clusters of solar panels in adjacent parking lots. Ground Solar: Solar panels located on ground roughly larger than 1 acre, or large clusters of smaller scale footprints. Once all footprints identified by the above criteria were digitized for all California counties, the features were visually classified into ground, parking and rooftop categories. The features were also classified into rural and urban types using the 42 U.S. Code § 1490 definition for rural. In addition, the distance to the closest substation and the percentile category of this distance (e.g. 0-25th percentile, 25th-50th percentile) was also calculated. The coverage provided by this data set should not be assumed to be a complete accounting of solar footprints in California. Rather, this dataset represents an attempt to improve upon existing solar feature datasets and to update the inventory of "large" solar footprints via imagery, especially in recent years since previous datasets were published. This procedure produced a total solar project footprint of 150,250 acres. Attempts to classify these footprints and isolate the large utility-scale projects from the smaller rooftop solar projects identified in the data set is difficult. The data was gathered based on imagery, and project information that could link multiple adjacent solar footprints under one larger project is not known. However, partitioning all solar footprints that are at least partly outside of the techno-economic exclusions and greater than 7 acres yields a total footprint size of 133,493 acres. These can be approximated as utility-scale footprints. Metadata: (1) CBI Solar FootprintsAbstract: Conservation Biology Institute (CBI) created this dataset of solar footprints in California after it was found that no such dataset was publicly available at the time (Dec 2015-Jan 2016). This dataset is used to help identify where current ground based, mostly utility scale, solar facilities are being constructed and will be used in a larger landscape intactness model to help guide future development of renewable energy projects. The process of digitizing these footprints first began by utilizing an excel file from the California Energy Commission with lat/long coordinates of some of the older and bigger locations. After projecting those points and locating the facilities utilizing NAIP 2014 imagery, the developed area around each facility was digitized. While interpreting imagery, there were some instances where a fenced perimeter was clearly seen and was slightly larger than the actual footprint. For those cases the footprint followed the fenced perimeter since it limits wildlife movement through the area. In other instances, it was clear that the top soil had been scraped of any vegetation, even outside of the primary facility footprint. These footprints included the areas that were scraped within the fencing since, especially in desert systems, it has been near permanently altered. Other sources that guided the search for solar facilities included the Energy Justice Map, developed by the Energy Justice Network which can be found here:https://www.energyjustice.net/map/searchobject.php?gsMapsize=large&giCurrentpageiFacilityid;=1&gsTable;=facility&gsSearchtype;=advancedThe Solar Energy Industries Association’s “Project Location Map” which can be found here: https://www.seia.org/map/majorprojectsmap.phpalso assisted in locating newer facilities along with the "Power Plants" shapefile, updated in December 16th, 2015, downloaded from the U.S. Energy Information Administration located here:https://www.eia.gov/maps/layer_info-m.cfmThere were some facilities that were stumbled upon while searching for others, most of these are smaller scale sites located near farm infrastructure. Other sites were located by contacting counties that had solar developments within the county. Still, others were located by sleuthing around for proposals and company websites that had images of the completed facility. These helped to locate the most recently developed sites and these sites were digitized based on landmarks such as ditches, trees, roads and other permanent structures.Metadata: (2) UC Berkeley Solar PointsUC Berkeley report containing point location for energy facilities across the United States.2022_utility-scale_solar_data_update.xlsm (live.com)Metadata: (3) Kruitwagen et al. 2021Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy generating capacity has grown by 41 per cent per year since 2009. Energy system projections that mitigate climate change and aid universal energy access show a nearly ten-fold increase in PV solar energy generating capacity by 2040. Geospatial data describing the energy system are required to manage generation intermittency, mitigate climate change risks, and identify trade-offs with biodiversity, conservation and land protection priorities caused by the land-use and land-cover change necessary for PV deployment. Currently available inventories of solar generating capacity cannot fully address these needs. Here we provide a global inventory of commercial-, industrial- and utility-scale PV installations (that is, PV generating stations in excess of 10 kilowatts nameplate capacity) by using a longitudinal corpus of remote sensing imagery, machine learning and a large cloud computation infrastructure. We locate and verify 68,661 facilities, an increase of 432 per cent (in number of facilities) on previously available asset-level data. With the help of a hand-labelled test set, we estimate global installed generating capacity to be 423 gigawatts (−75/+77 gigawatts) at the end of 2018. Enrichment of our dataset with estimates of facility installation date, historic land-cover classification and proximity to vulnerable areas allows us to show that most of the PV solar energy facilities are sited on cropland, followed by arid lands and grassland. Our inventory could aid PV delivery aligned with the Sustainable Development GoalsEnergy Resource Land Use Planning - Kruitwagen_etal_Nature.pdf - All Documents (sharepoint.com)Metadata: (4) BLM Renewable ProjectTo identify renewable energy approved and pending lease areas on BLM administered lands. To provide information about solar and wind energy applications and completed projects within the State of California for analysis and display internally and externally. This feature class denotes "verified" renewable energy projects at the California State BLM Office, displayed in GIS. The term "Verified" refers to the GIS data being constructed at the California State Office, using the actual application/maps with legal descriptions obtained from the renewable energy company. https://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/energy/renewable_energy https://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/MINERALS_REALTY_AND_RESOURCE_PROTECTION_/energy/solar_and_wind.Par.70101.File.dat/Public%20Webinar%20Dec%203%202014%20-%20Solar%20and%20Wind%20Regulations.pdfBLM CA Renewable Energy Projects | BLM GBP Hub (arcgis.com)Metadata: (5) Quarterly Fuel and Energy Report (QFER) California Power Plants - Overview (arcgis.com)