U.S. rooftop solar output increased fivefold in a decade
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Small-scale solar systems across the United States generated 92,979 gigawatt-hours of power in 2025, a fivefold increase from the 18,812 gigawatt-hours recorded ten years earlier.
California remains the national leader in this energy sector. The state produced 34,411 gigawatt-hours in 2025, which accounts for 37% of the total small-scale solar output in the country. Between 2024 and 2025, California increased its small-scale solar capacity from 18 gigawatts to 20 gigawatts and saw an 8% growth in rooftop solar output.
Other states are also expanding their solar footprints through local incentives. Texas increased its output from 391 gigawatt-hours in 2016 to 5,408 gigawatt-hours in 2025. Florida saw a similar surge, rising from 205 gigawatt-hours in 2016 to 5,198 gigawatt-hours in 2025. New York ranked fifth in the nation for small-scale solar output despite having less sunlight than other top producers. Regulatory changes and state programs influenced these trends.
In California, a switch to the Net Billing Tariff in April 2023 reduced the amount homeowners earn for exporting power, which accelerated demand for installations before that date. Arizona maintains its position as the second-highest producer with 5,795 gigawatt-hours, supported by a 25% state income tax credit.
