Energy

Solar powered: Lancaster produced the most solar energy in PA

Pennsylvania ranks #23 in solar power, and #16 in wind power

Renewables are gaining momentum.

The contiguous U.S. generated an estimated 606,000 GWh of wind and solar electricity in 2021, up to 16% of electricity consumed, according to Climate Central.

Pennsylvania was the 23rd state in generating solar power in 2021. However, Pennsylvania ranked higher for turbines: it was the 16th state to generate wind power in 2021.

Wind energy production is highest during the spring and fall. 

Although wind and solar are gaining momentum, there is a need to increase production to reach net-zero goals by 2050.

The U.S. would need to generate 2.2 million GWh of solar and wind energy annually by 2030—about 3.6 times the total amount produced in 2021, according to an estimate by the Net Zero America Project.


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Mussels clean canal, new housing budget, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Mussels clean the Manayunk Canal. Once trash-filled and…

4 days ago

Dinosaur Trail path to connect Gloucester County towns and institutions

A multi-use trail would allow pedestrians and bikes to travel from Rowan University to the…

5 days ago

Floatlab on Schuylkill, PGW debates electric vs gas future, new pedestrian safety measures & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Heat health emergency ends. Last week, the Department…

2 weeks ago

Aging infrastructure, extreme weather, and pollution: Why drinking water is under pressure

Pennsylvania’s century-old water infrastructure faces modern climate threats. Here’s why it’s complicated. The U.S. has…

2 weeks ago

How Pennsylvania towns are protecting themselves from the noise, heat and utility costs of massive data centers

Pennsylvania has become a hot spot for data center proposals and public backlash about where…

2 weeks ago

Hunger strike, living shoreline, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Young climate activists on hunger strike. Members of…

3 weeks ago