Fact Check: "Two thirds of these were installations with capacity up to 4 kW, with 30% in the 4 kW to 10 kW band."
What We Know
The claim regarding the distribution of solar installations by capacity suggests that two-thirds of installations are under 4 kW, with an additional 30% falling between 4 kW and 10 kW. To evaluate this, we can refer to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which reports that the average home solar installation size is approximately 7.13 kW, indicating that many installations are larger than 4 kW (source-6). Furthermore, the SEIA also notes that residential solar installations have seen fluctuations, with over 1.1 GW installed in Q1 2025, suggesting a robust market but not necessarily confirming the specific capacity distribution claimed (source-3).
Analysis
The claim lacks direct support from the available data. The SEIA's average installation size of 7.13 kW (source-6) implies that a significant portion of installations may exceed the 4 kW threshold, contradicting the assertion that two-thirds are below this capacity. Additionally, while the claim states that 30% of installations fall between 4 kW and 10 kW, there is no specific data provided in the sources that corroborates this breakdown.
The reliability of the SEIA as a source is generally high, as it is a well-respected organization in the solar industry, providing comprehensive research and statistics. However, the specific claim about installation capacity percentages is not directly addressed in the data provided, indicating a gap in the evidence needed to validate the claim.
Conclusion
Needs Research: The assertion that two-thirds of solar installations are under 4 kW, with 30% in the 4 kW to 10 kW range, lacks sufficient supporting data from credible sources. While the SEIA provides valuable insights into the solar market, the specific percentages mentioned in the claim are not substantiated by the available statistics. Further research is necessary to accurately assess the distribution of solar installation capacities.
Sources
- Solar Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmarks
- Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2025-2029
- Solar Industry Research Data – SEIA
- 90+ Solar Energy Statistics: The Green Gold Rush (2025)
- How much solar energy do US homes produce?
- 2025 Solar Energy Statistics: Latest Industry Survey Data
- Solar Energy Facts & Statistics 2025
- Estimating the Carbon Savings of Solar Energy Systems
