How much solar power will Texas have in 2023?

In 2023, installed solar capacity in Texas totaled about 16 gigawatts (GW). Power plant developers are planning to add around 24 GW of solar power net summer capacity to the grid in 2024 and 2025, compared with only 3 GW of additional wind power nameplate capacity during the same period.

Why is solar power increasing in Texas?

The increase in solar power generation in Texas has come as solar capacity has been rapidly added to the grid. In 2023, installed solar capacity in Texas totaled about 16 gigawatts (GW).

What percentage of Texas' new generation will be solar?

The average capacity factor for natural gas was 41 percent. Half of Texas’ new generation capacity in 2024 will be solar, matching that of the U.S.’ Already a global leader in wind-power production, wind will only make up 10 percent of the state’s additions versus 24 percent nationally.

When is the best time to generate electricity in Texas?

Electricity output from natural gas-fired power plants is often greatest in the evening between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Most solar power is generated in Texas by midday. As solar power generation declines later in the afternoon, natural gas is dispatched to meet the electricity demand.

What percentage of Texas' electricity comes from wind and solar?

Last year, wind and solar energy produced 31% of the state’s electricity. Beyond top-ranking growth in wind and solar energy, Texas has also seen a 40-fold increase in the number of registered electric vehicles.

How many solar power generation jobs are there in Texas?

Note: Data current as of January 2023. According to the 2023 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, in 2022 there were nearly 15,000 solar electric power generation jobs in Texas, representing an almost 11 percent increase from the previous year.