Record Year Concludes for Utility-Scale Solar

With the energy generating business in upheaval, utility-scale solar energy projects have done well since 2009, culminating in a record year for installation in 2013.

1 minute read

January 31, 2014, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Mark Jaffe details the findings of a report by SNL Energy that provides statistics on the largest year ever for the installation of utility-scale solar projects around the country.

“Utility-scale solar set a record with 2.3 gigawatts installed 2013, with bulk of the construction in California, Arizona and Nevada…”

The 2013 totals represent a 35 percent improvement on 2012, the previous record year for installation. The record numbers continue a narrative of steady growth for the industry: “Utility-scale solar has been the fastest growing electricity generation source since 2009 – up 23 percent…”

The SNL data echoes recent reports indicating that the boom might be coming to a close: “The U.S. has 35,700 MW of utility-scale solar capacity in development, with 17,675 MW scheduled to come online by the end of 2016…”

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 in Denver Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Sleeping in Public

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

30 minutes ago - KSL

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of flooding during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls

The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

2 hours ago - NC Newsline

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.