Texas is a leading state for wind, solar production

Data: Climate Central; Note: Includes both utility-scale and small-scale solar generation; Map: Axios Visuals

Texas is a top producer of solar power and wind energy in the country, per a new Axios analysis .

Why it matters: Energy from wind and solar installations nationwide is expected to outpace coal-fired electricity this year, per Axios Generate's Ben Geman.

---

• And, solar power helped keep the lights on during January's Arctic blast in Texas.

The big picture: Solar installations across the U.S. generated about eight times the gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2023 than in 2014, per Climate Central, a climate research nonprofit. Wind generation has doubled in the past decade.

• The two energy sources generated enough electricity last year to power more than 61 million average American homes, Climate Central says.

State of play: Coal and natural gas remain the top generators in Texas , though the state has focused on diversifying its portfolio over the years.

• Texas installed more solar capacity than any other state last year, which likely contributed to a 25% increase in the state's solar energy production between 2022 and 2023.
• Wind energy generation in the state increased 4% between 2022 and 2023.
• Renewable energy now accounts for a third of the power generated in Texas , more than any other state.

By the numbers: Texas generated significantly more wind energy — around 119,836 GWh — than any other state in 2023. Iowa came in second, with around 41,869 GWh produced.

• Texas ranked behind California in the top solar energy producing states, generating 31,739 GWh.

Between the lines: Last year, the Texas Legislature excluded wind and solar from a massive tax break program and passed bills to prop up the fossil fuel industry.

• But the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act , President Biden's landmark climate legislation, has spurred production of renewable energy in Texas and across the country.

Yes, but: Higher interest rates, inflation and supply chain issues are spoiling the financial math of some alt-energy investments.

• Blade and turbine issues have also plagued some wind energy efforts.
• In Texas, January's low wind speeds contributed to a 22% drop in power generation by the state's wind farms compared to the same month in 2022.

What we're watching: How the wind and solar boom will help Texas in the summer.