The U.S. broke all the records of the past by installing 32.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity in 2024. According to the American Clean Power Association (ACP), this is the largest annual increase in American history.
This sudden surprise growth in solar didn’t happen overnight and it is clear that it won’t be stopping too. This is honestly an alarm for all the installers and EPCs to be alert and watch out.
The reason for this growth?
To be clear, the solar industry has never stopped growing. The reason is because of the constant awareness about the climate change that has been spreading and the government promoting solar through various new laws. Tax credits and advanced solar design software are the biggest reasons for this growth in solar. It is the ripple effect making everything around solar change for the good and this might be the most exciting time for the solar industry and people affiliated with it.
Everything has its pros and cons. Installers are now coming face to face with new challenges like a lack of skilled workers, complex regulations and transitioning from residential projects to large-scale utility projects without enough experience, making it harder to adjust.
It’s time to find out what’s causing this solar growth in depth and how it is bringing change in the solar workforce, and how it could possibly impact the future of solar installation in the U.S.
Here’s how the U.S. pulled off its biggest year in solar.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) unlocked billions in solar incentives. This includes tax credits for production, investment, and storage which creates a long-term promise for developers and investors.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), solar additions were the largest among all new energy sources in 2024, making up nearly 60% of new utility-scale capacity.
The IRA solar incentives allowed the companies to plan projects in advance which resulted in fewer risks and bigger projects plus granting bonus credits for domestic manufacturing and fair wages for labour resulting in this massive movement.
The growing need to meet the rising electricity demand because of electric vehicles, data centers, and AI infrastructure is another factor. Utilities need reliable, clean power at scale, and utility-scale solar is one of the fastest ways to meet that demand.
The federal clean energy push isn’t just about climate goals, it’s also about energy security and economic growth. Grid operators have been forced to upgrade transmission capacity and prioritize solar interconnections.
Solar module prices dropped significantly in 2024 due to oversupply from global manufacturers and domestic production increases. The average utility-scale solar project became more cost-effective per watt, making it more attractive than ever for utilities and investors.
All of these above factors are the reason for solar to have reached this capacity in 2024.
The increase in utility-scale solar is changing how professionals work on the ground. It is indeed more than words. For installers, EPCs, and even residential contractors, this growth opens new doors and reveals some hard truths about scaling.
To meet the pace of the new projects, utility-scale solar installer jobs are in high demand. According to SEIA, the solar workforce needs to more than double by 2030 and a big portion of that will be in utility-scale roles.
Positions in demand include:
Solar labor demand in 2024 has overtaken training programs, leading to high competition for skilled labor. Installers with utility-scale experience are demanding premium wages whereas new workers are being trained on-site to meet timelines.
The challenge is that there simply aren’t enough crews available to cover the gigawatt-sized projects popping up across the country.
Hiring is only one part of the problem. Utility-scale installation involves:
Installers moving into this space must scale their teams quickly while also ensuring consistent training and adherence to safety protocols. Missteps here can delay projects by months and cost developers millions.
And now the challenge is not to hire more hands but to build a workforce that can handle utility-scale complexity.
Many residential solar pros are now eyeing utility-scale opportunities. The shift is possible but requires rethinking workflows and investing in new capabilities.
Key steps include:
For smaller businesses, entering into the utilities industry may include starting as a subcontractor on regional projects. They will be able to gradually bid on greater scopes as their experience grows. This means that the gap between residential and utility-scale solar isn’t impossible to reach.
Let’s see which states are dominating this utility-scale solar growth:
These four states have contributed more than 60% of all new utility-scale installations in the U.S. in 2024 becoming the top states for solar in 2024 and the cause of this rise is great weather, strong infrastructure, state-level incentives, and supportive utility regulations.
Texas
With no state income tax, expansive open land, and streamlined permitting processes, it’s no surprise that Texas leads the nation in utility-scale installations. The state’s deregulated energy market also encourages competition and innovation that creates space for aggressive solar deployment. ERCOT (Texas's grid operator) has accelerated solar interconnections boosting the capacity.
California
California continues to lead with its aggressive renewable energy mandates as one of the earliest adopters of clean energy policies. Investor-owned utilities in the state are required to procure a large share of their energy from renewable sources which keeps demand for utility-scale solar high. Also California's high solar irradiance and long-established developer ecosystem make it a consistently strong performer even after having many challenges.
Florida
This state has emerged as a major contributor due to utility-driven solar growth. Large investor-owned utilities like Florida Power & Light are building massive solar farms as part of their grid modernization and decarbonization efforts. The state has a flat geography and year-round sunshine offering almost perfect conditions for solar deployment. Florida’s growth is happening even without a robust net metering program and that indicates strong utility-led momentum.
North Carolina
North Carolina has become a solar leader in the Southeast without too much noise. This state has strong net metering, developer-friendly interconnection rules, and performance-based incentives. It also benefits from a growing network of experienced EPCs and contractors making it easier to build and operate utility-scale systems.
If you're an installer or EPC looking to grow, paying attention to which states are leading in solar can really pay off. Expanding into areas with strong demand, clear policies, and the right infrastructure makes it easier to take on new projects and lowers the chance of running into major roadblocks.
States like Nevada, Arizona, and Georgia are quickly becoming new hot spots for solar, with several large-scale projects already in the works. Getting involved early in these emerging markets could give your business a solid edge before they become more crowded with competition.
Today’s solar farms are packing more power into every acre. Large-format panels typically in the 550 to 700-watt range have become the new standard for utility-scale installations. Many of these are bifacial modules that are capable of capturing sunlight from both the front and rear sides boosts total energy generation.
To get the most out of these panels the developers are pairing them with single-axis trackers. These systems automatically tilt the panels to follow the sun’s movement across the sky which maximizes exposure and output throughout the day and the result is higher energy yields without requiring too much land and a noticeable reduction in the cost per watt. It's def a win-win for efficiency and economics.
More than 40% of utility projects in 2024 included co-located battery storage especially in California and the ERCOT regions. These hybrid systems allow developers to smooth intermittency and capture value from peak-time generation. This makes storage a default instead of an add-on.
Software is really changing how utility-scale projects are visualized and executed. ARKA 360 offers 3D modeling, shading simulations, 3D solar proposals and financial modeling making it an excellent platform for solar design plus other procurement features.
Installers can gain an upper hand using utility PV design tools for less errors, optimized layouts and pushing permits approvals instantly. Considering the technology and the demand for accurate designs and complex regulations solar design software is def a need of the time.
The job is simply not done after the panels are installed. There are more steps and this is the opportunity for installers.
As more utility-scale solar farms go live the demand for utility solar O&M services is rising in a steady pace. These large solar assets require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and keep up with the performance warranties. Installers with technical know-how can transition into long-term support roles that generate consistent revenue long after the build phase ends.
The opportunities are as follows:
Offering comprehensive O&M services can position installers as trusted long-term partners rather than just one-time contractors keeping in mind that with utilities and asset owners looking for local, reliable support teams this is a high-growth opportunity worth pursuing.
And installers who become full-service providers not only enhance their income streams but also strengthen their connections with project owners and EPCs.
The next area with massive potential is solar subcontracting. With the rapid scale of utility solar development, many regional EPCs can’t staff every job internally. Instead, they rely on local subcontractors to handle specific scopes of work everything from racking assembly to electrical connections.
Subcontracting is an ideal way for smaller and newer installers in the following ways :
EPC installer partnerships are particularly valuable in states with tight construction windows or aggressive RFP timelines.
It’s not that easy to get into utility-scale solar. It has its own challenges.
One of the most time-consuming hurdles new installers face is navigating the permitting and interconnection process. Utility-scale projects have to undergo detailed environmental impact assessments which most def may delay construction by months or even years.
Interconnection queues are backed up in many regions due to limited grid capacity and regulatory bottlenecks. Local zoning laws and municipal codes can often vary between counties which makes compliance tricky without specialized knowledge.
Transmission constraints add another layer since there’s no guarantee that the grid can handle the additional power especially in remote or underdeveloped areas. These permitting timelines and infrastructure problems can slow down projects and discourage new market entrants.
Utility-scale solar installation requires a much higher capital outlay than residential jobs. Installers must invest in heavy equipment like pile drivers, trenchers, and forklifts to manage large project sites. Transportation becomes a logistical challenge which then requires flatbed trucks, trailers, and cranes to move components efficiently.
The workforce must also be equipped with commercial-grade tools, PPE (personal protective equipment) and on-site facilities. For smaller firms this level of investment can strain cash flow and present a significant entry barrier if they’re trying to scale quickly.
Developers and EPCs working on large projects won’t even consider hiring installers without proper insurance and bonding. These requirements exist to protect the project from financial loss due to accidents, non-performance, or delays.
Installers are typically expected to carry general liability, workers’ compensation and in many cases also performance bonds. These policies can be costly and difficult to obtain for new companies without a proven track record. Failing to meet these requirements can instantly disqualify even highly skilled installers from bidding on major projects.
The right strategy can help newcomers with these utility solar installer challenges joining partnerships and specializing in subcontracted scopes.
The growth will not stop here. According to EIA projections, utility-scale solar capacity in the U.S. is expected to double by 2030 surpassing 300 GW.
The U.S. solar industry will need hundreds of thousands of new workers. Roles in:
The clean energy job trends are clear which means solar is hiring now.
Installers should prioritize certifications such as:
Getting ahead of the solar installer certification path ensures you're ready for the next wave of opportunity.
What is utility-scale solar capacity?
Utility-scale solar refers to large solar farms that feed electricity directly into the grid. They’re typically over 5 MW in size.
How is utility solar different from rooftop?
Rooftop solar is installed on homes or businesses and serves the on-site load. Utility solar is ground-mounted and built for grid delivery.
What licenses do installers need?
Licensing varies by state but typically includes electrical licenses, OSHA safety training, and bonding. Utility-scale jobs may require additional certifications.
Are there state-specific opportunities?
Yes. Texas, California, Florida, and North Carolina are leading growth, but the Midwest and Southeast states are also ramping up fast.
The U.S. hitting 32.5 GW of utility-scale solar in 2024 is more than just a number rather it’s a direct signal. We’re now witnessing a shift in how energy is generated and installers are needed for this transition.
Those who adapt to large-scale operations, use modern tools, and invest in their staff will benefit from the next wave of solar expansion. And as project scopes expand, so do the opportunities.
If you’re looking to design smarter, scale faster, and pitch professionally, platforms like ARKA 360’s solar design & proposal software can help you do just that.
This is your chance to evolve with the industry. The solar revolution isn’t coming it’s here now. Start building for the next gigawatt.
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