Reasons to be Thankful for US Renewable Energy 2025
Reasons to be Thankful for US Renewable Energy 2025
The United States just hit a milestone in clean energy investment with $75 billion in the third quarter of 2025. This Thanksgiving, we have many reasons to celebrate the benefits of renewable energy. The numbers tell an amazing story - a 9% rise from last quarter and an 8% increase from last year. These figures show America's steadfast dedication to green power sources.
This Thanksgiving brings another historic achievement worth celebrating. Renewable energy has generated more electricity than coal for the first time. Global electricity demand grew by 2.6% in early 2025. Solar power stepped up impressively with a 31% increase and met 83% of this growing demand. By March 2025, fossil fuels produced less than half of American electricity - a first in our history.
Renewable energy benefits go well beyond the numbers. Massachusetts serves as a shining example where solar investments have reached $8 billion. These investments now power more than 550,000 homes. Renewable energy growth has helped cut CO2 emissions from US electricity generation by more than a third between 2005 and 2022.
This Thanksgiving season reminds us how renewable energy revolutionizes our economy, environment, and communities. We'll explore why Americans can be thankful for our nation's renewable energy progress. The benefits are clear - from job creation and local economic boosts to climate change action and greater energy independence.
Economic and Job Benefits of Renewable Energy
The renewable energy sector stands out as a bright spot this Thanksgiving, bringing remarkable job opportunities to our American workforce. Clean energy jobs grew more than twice as fast as the overall US economy in 2023, adding 142,000 positions and making up over half of all new energy sector jobs.
1. Clean energy jobs are growing fast
Nearly 3.6 million Americans now work in clean energy sectors, with job numbers climbing faster than the rest of the economy. The growth reaches every corner of our nation - all 50 states saw more clean energy jobs in 2023. Solar and wind sectors showed impressive gains, with jumps of 5.3% and 4.5% respectively.
2. Local communities thrive with solar and wind projects
Renewable projects do more than create jobs - they strengthen entire communities. Wind energy projects generated approximately $935 million in land lease payments to rural landowners in 2022. Local governments use the tax revenue from these projects to build new schools, roads, and resilient infrastructure. The workers who move in boost local businesses too, spending money at nearby hotels and restaurants.
3. Farmers and landowners earn steady income
Renewable energy gives American farmers and landowners a reliable extra income stream. Solar leases running 20 to 40 years can bring in $700 to $2,000 per acre each year. A property owner with just 40 acres could earn $1.2 million over a utility-scale solar project's lifetime. Unlike crop income that depends on weather, these payments stay steady year after year.
4. Veterans and displaced workers find new careers
The renewable energy sector opens doors for people switching careers, especially our veterans. Veterans make up 8% of the solar workforce - higher than their 6% share in the overall US workforce. Programs like Solar Ready Vets® help military personnel get training and job interviews with leading solar companies. The sector values what veterans bring to the table - leadership skills, mission-focus, teamwork, and strong work ethic learned through military service.
Environmental and Health Reasons to Be Thankful
Americans have much to be thankful for this holiday season, especially the environmental and health benefits of renewable energy. Our nation's clean energy transition shows its positive effects in every breath we take.
5. Renewable energy reduces air and water pollution
The World Health Organization reports that about 99% of people worldwide breathe air exceeding quality limits. This pollution leads to 7 million premature deaths each year and creates economic health damage of $8.10 trillion annually—equal to 6.1% of global GDP.
America's renewable energy growth helps tackle this crisis. Last year alone, wind and solar generation saved between 1,200 and 1,600 lives by reducing harmful emissions. Renewable electricity projects create health benefits worth millions of dollars yearly. Location plays a key role—a wind installation near Cincinnati delivers twice the benefits compared to one in Virginia due to population density and coal displacement factors.
6. Solar and wind help fight climate change
Renewable energy's role in curbing climate change gives us another reason to be thankful. Wind energy now powers over 10% of America's electricity needs and has avoided 336 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—the same as taking 73 million cars off roads.
Solar energy has grown to provide 155 gigawatts of carbon-free electricity. These installations power more than 27 million homes and have offset over 88 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—equal to what 3.3 billion trees would absorb.
U.S. power emissions have dropped by 40% since 2005. Renewable energy could help decarbonize 90% of the power sector by 2050.
7. Less water use compared to fossil fuels
Water conservation adds another bright spot to celebrate. Clean energy saved 228 billion gallons of water in the United States in 2023. This matters because fossil fuel power plants have traditionally been the biggest water consumers in the U.S. power sector. They need vast amounts of water for generation and cooling.
Research shows switching to 100% renewable power could reduce water consumption by up to 95% compared to conventional sources. Solar photovoltaic systems use only 2-5% of the water needed by coal and nuclear plants to produce equal energy. Wind energy proves even better, using just 0.1-0.14% of the water required by conventional generation.
Energy Independence and Resilience
This Thanksgiving brings another reason to celebrate - our nation's journey toward energy independence. The US now produces more energy than it consumes, and clean energy makes up a growing share of that achievement.
8. Solar and wind reduce reliance on imported fuels
Most people worldwide - about 80% - live in countries that depend on imported fossil fuels. These nations remain vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. The good news is that America's renewable resources create a path to true energy security. Clean energy projects generated $1.70 billion in local taxes during 2023. This revenue deepens communities' commitment across the country.
9. Battery storage helps during power outages
Battery systems serve as vital lifelines when power disruptions occur more frequently. These systems respond within seconds when outages happen. They protect 2.5 million Americans who rely on medical equipment. Batteries paired with solar panels can provide backup power that lasts for days. This ensures medical devices keep running and refrigerated medications stay at the right temperature.
10. Distributed energy systems improve grid stability
Distributed energy resources (DERs) reshape the scene of how our electric grid works. These systems create microgrids that work independently during disruptions. Research shows that 40-60% DER adoption delivers the best financial, environmental, and resilience benefits. Families gain real peace of mind with a typical 7-10 kW solar system and 20-40 kWh battery that provides 24 hours of backup power.
Financial and Policy Support for Clean Energy
Clean energy has become available to more Americans that ever spread thanks to thoughtful policy frameworks this Thanksgiving.
11. State incentives make solar affordable
Solar investments look even better with 36 states offering property tax exemptions that keep property taxes unchanged. The deal gets sweeter as 25 states exempt solar equipment from sales tax, which makes the original purchase easier on the wallet.
12. Net metering and tax credits lower bills
Solar owners in 34 states plus Washington D.C. benefit from net metering policies that give credits for excess electricity generation. Your meter runs backward with this system and offsets future electricity costs. Homeowners can slash their electricity bills by up to 90% and recover their investment within 4-6 years. The financial rewards remain substantial whatever your location.
13. Long-term policy support drives investment
Clean technology manufacturing added about 4% to global GDP growth, while renewable energy creates between $1-$1.50 of economic activity per dollar invested. These policies are the foundations of America's renewable energy growth.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving gives us many reasons to be grateful for the nation's amazing progress in renewable energy. The shift to cleaner power sources has brought economic growth, a healthier environment, and better energy security to communities all over America.
The milestones we reached in 2025 tell an inspiring story. Renewable energy now produces more electricity than coal - a first in US history. Clean energy jobs grow twice as fast as the rest of the economy. These jobs create opportunities for veterans, rural communities, and workers moving from other industries.
The economic wins are great, but maybe even more precious is the gift of cleaner air and water we're leaving for future generations. Each solar panel and wind turbine saves thousands of tons of carbon emissions and millions of gallons of water. Our health benefits too - renewable projects save thousands of lives each year by reducing air pollution.
Energy independence deserves our thanks this holiday season. Smart policies and incentives have made renewable energy available to American families and businesses everywhere. Federal tax credits, net metering programs, and state support have turned what we once called alternative energy into an affordable choice for millions.
Thanksgiving tables this year remind us how renewable energy makes the nation stronger. It creates jobs, cleans the environment, and helps us face future challenges. This progress shows more than just technical success - it shows our steadfast dedication to protecting our shared resources and communities.
This Thanksgiving celebrates more than numbers and policies. We celebrate a radical alteration toward a sustainable, prosperous future that belongs to all Americans.
Key Takeaways
America's renewable energy sector has reached historic milestones in 2025, delivering transformative benefits across economic, environmental, and energy security fronts that deserve our gratitude this Thanksgiving.
• Clean energy jobs are still growing nationwide - Growing at twice the rate of the overall economy.
• Renewable energy now generates more electricity than coal - A historic first for the US, with solar alone covering 83% of rising electricity demand
• Health benefits are substantial and measurable - Wind and solar prevented 1,200-1,600 premature deaths in 2022 while saving 228 billion gallons of water
• Energy independence is becoming reality - Distributed solar and battery systems provide resilient backup power while reducing reliance on imported fuels
• Federal incentives make clean energy accessible - 30% tax credits through 2032 plus net metering in 34 states help homeowners reduce electricity bills by up to 90%
The renewable energy transformation represents more than technological progress—it's creating jobs for veterans and rural communities, cleaning our air and water, and building a more resilient energy future for all Americans.
