How has the residential solar market changed in 2024?

Declines in residential solar markets have been a hit to the industry—but its foundation is strong. Worldwide, 2024 was a difficult year for the residential solar market. After several years of 30 percent annual growth in installations, 2024 saw a decline: fewer panels were installed in many markets, and companies’ valuations declined.

Is the residential solar market down?

The residential solar market is down, not out. Our analysis indicates that the market is likely to revert to more stable long-term growth over the next several years on the back of strong fundamentals. Almost certainly, surprises will pop up along the way; the industry is not called the solar coaster for nothing.

Is the solar industry sustainable?

Even with the tremendous growth journey the industry has been on over the past decade (see sidebar, “The solar boom”), what we observed between 2020 and 2023 was simply not sustainable. A confluence of factors led the market worldwide to its new heights, with growth rates of 30 percent per year (Exhibit 1).

What percentage of solar installations are residential?

Of the total solar capacity installed in the U.S., over 26 percent corresponds to residential installations. This segment has grown in recent years, reaching some 4.7 million installations in 2023. Increasing household electricity bills are a large motivator for the installation of residential solar systems.

How much does solar cost in Netherlands?

Over 30 percent of Dutch households are now powered by solar energy, which is by far the largest source of new-energy generation for the country. Rapid adoption has led to network congestion at the distribution level; grid operators now charge residential solar owners annual fees ranging from €100 to €697, depending on the household’s system size.

What happened to the solar market after the 'crash'?

Much has been made of the “crash” in the global residential solar market, and although the fall hurt, there was solid ground to land on. Many markets, including most US states, France, and the United Kingdom, have continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace than before (Exhibit 3).