Wood Mackenzie Boosts US Solar Market Forecast as Florida Blossoms

Recent announcements in Florida and Texas have brightened the outlook for the U.S. solar market over the next five years.

KARL-ERIK STROMSTA
JUNE 18, 2019

Unexpectedly rapid growth in solar markets like Florida and Texas is driving up expectations for U.S. solar installations, with Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables now forecasting more than 13 gigawatts of capacity additions in 2019.

That sets the U.S. solar market up for 25 percent growth compared to last year's 10.6 gigawatts, in what would be its second biggest year of all time, according to the latest U.S. Solar Market Insight Report from Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Since last quarter, announced solar procurements and shifts in the market have led WoodMac to increase its forecast for 2019 utility-scale installations by 1.2 gigawatts, and by 5.1 gigawatts for the 2019-24 period.

Texas accounts for much of the increased forecast for this year, while Florida has driven the five-year boost thanks to ambitious solar growth plans at utilities including NextEra Energy's Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy Florida. Last month Florida Power & Light announced the start of construction on 10 new solar plants totaling more than 700 megawatts, as the economics of solar in the Sunshine State look increasingly favorable against gas-fired generation.