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Solar energy is rapidly transforming the global energy landscape. As the fastest-growing source of electricity for nearly two decades, it now powers millions of homes and businesses worldwide. From China’s industry dominance to the U.S.’s expanding capacity, it’s reshaping how we generate power.
But where is solar energy most effective? Which U.S. states are best for investing in it? This article explores global and national trends, key production areas, and how you can benefit from making the switch today.
Worldwide Solar Energy Usage
Solar panels, also called photovoltaics or PVs, have continued to gain in popularity worldwide. They held the record for the fastest-growing source of electricity for 19 consecutive years, generating approximately 5.5% of global electricity, 1,631 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023. With numerous utility-scale PV facilities coming online in 2024, those numbers will continue to increase.
- China has been dominating the photovoltaic race since 2015. In 2023, it produced more than 580TWh, more than the next five countries combined. China also dominates the world’s production of photovoltaic components and modules.
- The United States has been second place behind China for several years, producing 238TWh in 2023.
- India has been expanding its photovoltaic output, surpassing Germany in 2019 and Japan in 2023, producing 113.41TWh.
- Japan held the number three spot from 2016 until India surpassed them. In 2023, they produced 109.36TWh.
- Germany has been a steady producer since the early days, holding the 5th spot since 2019. In 2023, they produced 61.56TWh.
- Brazil has recently been expanding its photovoltaic generation, jumping from number 10 in 2021 to number 6 in 2023 with 51.72TWh.
- Australia has been steadily increasing its capacity, producing 46.91TWh in 2023.
- Spain has also been steadily increasing their capacity, producing 45.08TWh that same year.
- Italy has not increased its capacity much in recent years, but it still produces a steady amount at 31.01TWh.
- South Korea has been another steady producer, slowly increasing its capacity and falling in 10th place, just behind Italy at 29.37TWh.
Which States Are Best for Solar?
Which states are best for photovoltaics are not necessarily the top producers like California, Texas, or Florida, or those with the most peak sunlight hours, like Arizona, New Mexico, or Nevada. Investing in those states is always a good idea, with excellent output and incentives. When you install EcoFlow Photovoltaic Panels, you’re guaranteed to save money on electrical bills. However, the following states have been assessed based on the average electrical bill by state and state-wide incentives in addition to available sunlight.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a 100% carbon-free electricity standard, a solar carve-out provision encouraging incentives like a state tax credit of up to $1,000, and the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) performance-based incentive program. They also have Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs that allow homeowners to save hundreds of dollars when their photovoltaic batteries support the grid when demand is high. Finally, Massachusetts has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, making it even more appealing.
Colorado
Colorado also aims for 100% clean energy for its largest utility company, Xcel Energy. They have incentivized residential battery storage through statewide storage tax credit and Xcel Energy’s Renewable Battery Connect VPP program. They also have a good net metering program that allows homeowners to sell the excess electricity they produce back to the grid, allowing many customers to get free electricity.
The EcoFlow Solar Generators are perfect for anyone looking to invest in photovoltaics. They come in various battery capacities to suit every energy need. When paired with EcoFlow Rigid Panels, they offer a permanent, sustainable home energy solution that will provide years of free electricity to power your household needs.
Washington D.C.
While not technically a state, Washington D.C. makes this list because of its well-developed renewable portfolio standard that aims to reach 100% renewables by 2032. They also offer the highest rates in the country for their Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC), selling for about $430 each. Combine that with net metering, and you can get your solar ROI (return on investment) in just over three years. After that, your energy is free for over 20 years. They also offer a Solar for All program to make clean, affordable electricity more accessible to low-income homeowners.
Maryland
Maryland makes the list for its generous net metering program, which has been expanded to make it more accessible to homeowners of all income levels through its community solar program. They also offer a 30% tax credit through their Residential Clean Energy Credit (REC), state tax exemptions, property tax exemptions, and rebates. While their electricity bills are not the highest, they’re also not the lowest. With all the great incentives, Marylanders can expect to save a lot of money with photovoltaics.
New York
New York’s residential photovoltaic industry is transitioning as it changes its net metering policy to the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) program, which some have criticized for taxing customers to help cover the program’s costs. Despite that, homeowners will still get paid for the energy they export to the grid, just less than net metering offered. Still, combining that with one of the country’s best statewide tax credits at 25% or up to $5000 makes it more than worthwhile. Electricity bills are also higher than average, making it extra appealing.
Minnesota
The snowy northern state of Minnesota might surprise some people, but they still get plenty of sunshine to power their homes. They also have an excellent renewable portfolio standard, which will encourage more incentives in the future. Right now, residents can enjoy the net metering program and the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, those using Xcel Energy can take advantage of the Solar*Rewards incentive program, which is taking applicants now.
The EcoFlow DELTA Series Photovoltaic Generators come in various capacities to suit your different needs. They range from mini generators to run your essential appliances or to help supplement what uses the most electricity in your home to powerhouses with expandable capacities for use as a whole-home generator with enough output for large homes to go off-grid.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has high electricity rates, making residential photovoltaics an appealing investment to help lower those high bills. They also have a good renewable portfolio standard and net metering to provide additional incentives for installing residential systems.
Rhode Island also offers its Affordable Solar Access Pathways program to make the systems more affordable for low-income residents, especially those in environmental justice communities. The program uses a solar lease model with no credit score minimum, offering immediate savings.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus (220W) is a perfect solution for homeowners wanting to save with solar power. Its super-efficient 220W bifacial PV panel lets you quickly recharge it during the day. It also travels well in your RV for power on the go.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s SREC program used to be one of the best state-level incentives in the nation, which has now been replaced by the Solar Successor Incentive Program (SuSI). While no longer one of the best, homeowners can still earn cash on top of what they already save on their relatively high monthly electricity bills.
Furthermore, in 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed A4782/S3123, making it easier for low- to moderate-income households to subscribe to the Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP) while increasing the capacity for community developments.
Illinois
The photovoltaic industry grew in Illinois after state legislators passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Programs like Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) are also helping make photovoltaics accessible to more homeowners, further encouraging the growth and adoption of clean energy in the Prairie State. While electricity prices are just slightly above average, homeowners will still save significant money on their monthly bills.
Connecticut
Connecticut has the highest utility rates in the continental USA and is second in the nation behind only Hawaii, making investing in home photovoltaics incredibly appealing, with or without incentives. While they don’t offer any rebates, they have a fantastic program called the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program that’s used instead of net metering. It allows residents to see very good returns on their investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar energy is produced worldwide; even in far north or far southern locations, it can still produce electricity. However, globally, China leads the world in output, followed by the USA, India, Japan, and Germany.
Areas that are closer to the equator, especially desert regions with minimal seasonal variations and mostly clear skies, have the potential to produce the most energy. However, it can literally be produced anywhere on Earth where the sun shines.
In the USA, California leads the country in utility-scale and residential production, producing more than twice as much as any other state. However, Texas recently significantly expanded its capacity in 2023 and 2024, so those numbers may change soon.
Final Thoughts
Solar energy is no longer just the future—it’s the present. With countries like China, the U.S., and India leading the way, states like Arizona and New Mexico with all their sunshine, and states like Massachusetts and Colorado offering strong incentives for residential customers, now is the perfect time to invest.
Whether you’re looking to cut utility bills or gain energy independence, the EcoFlow DELTA Series Photovoltaic Generators provide a reliable, sustainable way to harness the sun’s power so you can start saving today.