A new study released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) highlights the role solar energy could play in decarbonizing the country’s power grid.

The Solar Futures Study shows that by 2035, solar energy has the potential to power 40% of the nation’s electricity and employ as much as 1.5 million people, without raising electricity prices. This comes following the installation of a record amount of solar in 2020, which currently accounts for 3% of the country’s electricity supply. 

The study shows that by 2035, the U.S. would need to quadruple its yearly solar capacity and provide 1,000 GW of power to ensure a renewable-dominant grid. The report goes further to say that by 2050, solar energy could provide 1,600 GW for a zero-carbon grid. 

“The study illuminates the fact that solar, our cheapest and fastest-growing source of clean energy, could produce enough electricity to power all of the homes in the U.S. by 2035 and employ as many as 1.5 million people in the process,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. 

In order for the U.S. to meet its goals, an average of 30 GW of solar capacity per year between now and 2025 and 60 GW per year from 2025 and 2030 must be installed. The study notes that the remainder of the carbon-free grid would be powered primarily by wind. New tools that would increase grid flexibility, such as storage and advanced inverters, as well as transmission expansion is also required. 

Finally, supportive decarbonization policies and advanced technologies that would lower the cost of solar energy are required to enable widespread solar deployment.