Originally Published: Solar Today
Client: ARaymond Energies

The solar industry is not just about clean energy – it is an economic powerhouse that drives investment, job creation, and technological innovation across the U.S.

With over $70 billion in private investment flowing into the sector and more than 280,000 Americans employed in solar-related jobs, the industry’s rapid expansion demonstrates its critical role in the nation’s economic future.¹

A Booming Sector with Expansive Job Growth

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the number of solar businesses in the U.S. now exceeds 10,000, contributing to job growth across multiple fields, including research and development, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. In 2023 alone, solar industry jobs grew by 5.9%, with utility-scale solar employment seeing a 6.8% increase.

SEIA also reports that In 2024, the U.S. solar industry installed nearly 50 gigawatts direct current (GW DC) of capacity, a 21% increase from 2023.² Also, domestic module manufacturing capacity grew an unprecedented 190% year-over-year, from just 14.5 GW atthe end of 2023 to 42.1 GW at the end of 2024.

Notably, jobs in solar installation are projected to surge by 48% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.³

This economic impact extends across nearly all 50 states, with significant employment gains in key markets such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. The industry provides crucial opportunities for both urban and rural communities, diversifying local economies and offering stable, well-paying careers.

Federal Incentives Propel U.S. Solar Manufacturing Growth

Government policies, particularly the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), have accelerated the U.S. solar market’s expansion. According to the American Clean Power Association, at least 160 clean energy manufacturing facilities or expansions have been announced since August 2022, driven by tax credits in the IRA, with 47 announced in 2024 alone.⁴

Prior to these incentives, the U.S. ranked seventh globally in module manufacturing capacity. Today, it has risen five-fold to reach third place, demonstrating the impact of strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure. This growth extends beyond just solar panels; the industry supports a robust supply chain that includes storage solutions, mounting systems, power electronics, and other key components.

Through this expansion comes innovation in the solar field. Companies in the U.S. are now creating leading edge technology for key solar elements such as high-efficiency modules, solar energy storage, and AI-driven smart grids. The support from policies such as the IRA allows companies to mature and invest at a faster rate, protecting the American industry by creating an encouraging atmosphere for U.S-made solutions to compete with industry rivals in China and others.

Economic Engine for Local Communities

With traditional manufacturing sectors, such as automotive and industrial, facing potential declines in the coming years, solar energy presents
a promising alternative for economic stability. BNEF projects a 76% increase in global energy storage installations in 2025, reinforcing the industry’s long-term viability.⁵

A Bright Future for U.S. Solar Energy

The solar industry accounted for 66% of all new electricity-generating capacity additions in 2024 according to SEIA, marking it as a dominant force in the energy sector.⁶ As technology advances and solar adoption continues to rise, the industry will further cement its position as a cornerstone of the American economy.

The ongoing actions on tariffs present challenges and will have an impact on the global supply chain, and by extension the solar market in the U.S. But companies that remain resilient and focused on delivering high-quality products and services, stay in close communication with global partners, and continue to adapt as the tariff situation unfolds, will be the most prepared to weather the storm.

By continuing to invest in domestic manufacturing, workforce development, and supportive policies, the U.S. can solidify its position in the global renewable energy market. The solar industry is more than an environmental solution – it is a crucial driver of economic growth, job creation, and energy independence.

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