U.S. Puts $562 Billion Price Tag on Ramping Up Solar Power

The U.S. could get 37% of its electricity from solar power by 2035—and 44% by 2050—if the U.S. pursues an ambitious agenda to cut reliance on fossil fuels, the Energy Department said Wednesday.

The Energy Department says the U.S. now gets 3% of its power from solar sources, requiring rapid growth if the country aims to eliminate greenhouse-gas emissions from its power sector. The Energy Department report said ramping up solar power to the 44% level would require an increase in spending by the public and private sector of as much...