Over 50 years ago, Earth Day was originally conceived as a national “teach-in” to help raise awareness and the national consciousness to the environmental catastrophes we were witnessing in the 1970s. The success of this event catalyzed a global movement for the environment leading to legislation like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the forming of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While today we are witnessing much of this foundational work under attack by the new Administration, it is important for us to recognize and appreciate the tremendous strides we have made toward addressing our environmental challenges, including climate change. One of the most significant success stories is the emergence of solar energy as not just a niche environmental solution, but as mainstream power source driving today’s economy. 

What was once an expensive and experimental technology is now a core part of our current energy infrastructure—solar and energy storage accounted for over 80% of all new generating capacity added to the U.S. grid in 2024. The solar industry has earned its place among the top energy sources for the U.S., helping renewable energy outpace the coal industry in both energy contribution and workforce size in 2024. 

But here’s the truth: the story of solar isn’t only about technology. It’s about transformation and alignment — of markets, of mindsets, and of what’s possible when we align technology, policy, and finance to provide affordable, clean energy to Americans.  

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the solar industry has moved from a nascent industry to one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. Additionally, the cost of developing solar has declined upwards of 90% over the last decade. This growth didn’t happen by accident – the results are from consistent proof in the product, growing institutional investment appetite, manufacturing innovation, and policy evolution. The decade following the passing of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2006 effectuated a substantive 200x in growth for the solar industry. The industry experienced another policy booster in the form of clean energy tax credits due to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. 

Today, energy demand in the U.S. continues to rise and is expected to reach 128 GW by 2029 – five times the originally forecasted amount. In a recent Berkeley Lab report found data centers could rise to 12% of U.S. power consumption by 2028. Much of this demand is driven by the needs to sustain the American lifestyle, but also to accommodate the growth in artificial technology and data centers. Solar is playing a major role to meet these demands. In 2024, corporate and industrial customers procured over 21 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, surpassing a total of 100 GW of clean energy procurement since 2014. Of the 21GW, solar accounted for more than 80% comprised of solar and battery storage capacity.

In less than three years, the solar and clean energy industry has broken records in investment and energy generation, supported the reshoring of solar manufacturing, and has brought substantial economic growth to cities across the U.S. The solar industry is comprised of over 10,000 companies, employing over 270,000 people, and is on track to double that number by 2033. This level of growth has been bolstered by private investment, earning over $300 billion in investment into clean energy. Much of the investment into clean energy has gone to growing and advancing solar manufacturing. Domestic solar manufacturing has surged – capacity grew 190% year-over-year from 2023 to 2024 – bringing the U.S. from 14th to 3rd globally in solar manufacturing.

The momentum we’ve built over the last decade has positioned the U.S. as a leader in solar manufacturing and has placed us on the path to energy dominance as a country. To continue this impetus, we must continue to scale investment, prioritize clean energy policy, and bring more clean megawatts to the grid.

The mission of the solar industry is to support the creation of an energy-secure country where Americans have access to affordable, clean energy. As we face daunting increases in energy demand from a boom in AI technology and data centers, we cannot allow the communities we build in to fall by the wayside.

At CleanCapital, we recognize the importance of cross-industry relationships. For example, whether developing or acquiring a solar asset, we evaluate each site and its potential for agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics – the simultaneous use of land for solar energy production and agriculture – allows for solar companies to partner with landowners and community members to maintain an asset while supporting the local ecosystem. When applicable, we also plant native pollinators to enhance biodiversity, meet regulatory and sustainability goals, and support local ecosystems. They are typically managed through low-maintenance practices, such as selective mowing, invasive species control, and periodic monitoring to ensure pollinator health. We own, operate, and manage several sites across the U.S. and partner with local shepherds to implement sheep grazing – “solar grazing” – as a vegetation management method. By keeping sustainability in our focus, we can continue to bring economic value to the communities that host our solar assets.

The solar industry has accomplished so much in a short period of time. From technological advancements to record investments, from policy wins to community partnerships, the solar industry has proven its capacity to deliver real, measurable impact. Yet, the stakes will be even higher as we look towards the next 50 years of solar energy. With rising energy demands, rapid technological change, and accelerating severe weather events, we must act with both urgency and intentionality. The clean energy transition is more than the megawatts—it’s about people and communities and creating accessible energy that is reliable, resilient, and affordable.

Earth Day is a reminder to us all that progress is possible when we align around a common mission. As we witness much of our progress come under attack in Washington today, it is equally important for us to not stand-by but to act and make our voices heard on Earth Day 2025!  We must tell the story of our successes, our impact, and defend the progress we have made.  Now is the time to carry that momentum forward—scaling faster, thinking bolder, and ensuring that the next 50 years of solar continues to power not just the grid but the future of all Americans.