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Wind Energy and Solar PV Developments in the USA

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The Coming of Age of Solar and Wind Power

Abstract

In 2019, the US annual energy consumption from renewable energy sources was higher than the coal consumption for the first time since 1885. The addition of new wind and solar capacity and the potential of hydroelectric and nuclear power, accounted for 40% of total electricity production in the United States in 2020. Currently, there is over 105 GW of wind power installed capacity in the United States; making the US the second largest country in the world in installed capacity. Wind power is the largest source of renewable electricity. The US solar market is growing rapidly as the industry expands innovative new technologies and reduces manufacturing and installation costs. Public interest in clean technologies and renewable energy has increased demand for solar power. The movement towards a sustainable energy infrastructure has encouraged consumers and businesses to demand renewable energy sources, such as solar power.

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Muneer, T., Jadraque Gago, E., Etxebarria Berrizbeitia, S. (2022). Wind Energy and Solar PV Developments in the USA. In: The Coming of Age of Solar and Wind Power. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-92010-4_6

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