Analysis
NAICS 221114 is the 2022 national industry for solar electric power generation, part of 22111 (Electric Power Generation). Census lists 3 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 218% and employment rose 219%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 779 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 8,867 people at an average annual payroll of $137,930 per employee (96th percentile of national industries). 68% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include electric power generation, solar, power generation, solar electric and solar farms.
For example, installing solar panels or solar heating equipment are classified in 2382 (Building Equipment Contractors) instead.
Census lists 1 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 2382. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating solar electric power generation facilities. These facilities use energy from the sun to produce electric energy. The electric energy produced in these establishments is provided to electric power transmission systems or to electric power distribution systems.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Installing solar panels or solar heating equipment | 2382 Building Equipment Contractors |
Index entries (3)
- Electric power generation, solar
- Power generation, solar electric
- Solar farms