Solar, storage dominate US power growth in H1 2025

Despite the best efforts of the Trump administration, solar and storage dominate the United States’ power growth in the first half of 2025. The Energy Information Agency reported the statistics recently and pointed out that the solar and storage sectors in the United States are the dominant force in the American energy landscape, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. US developers added 12 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale solar electric generating capacity to the grid in H1 of 2025.

US developers plan to add another 21 GW to the grid in the second half of the year

Adding to the already impressive 12 gigawatts that energy developers brought to the grid this year, the additional 21 GW planned for the rest of the year would set a record for capacity additions if all 64 GW come online this year.

The Energy Information Agency revealed that wind, solar, and battery storage have become more prevalent options for new capacity in modern-day America. Booyed by the embrace of alternative energy solutions in Texas. About 27% (3.2 GW) of the solar capacity added so far in 2025 is in Texas.

In 2024, Texas surpassed California as the state with the most utility-scale solar capacity. Pointing to the change in the type of energy being developed in the United States over the past two decades.

Coal-fired power plants face an uncertain future in the United States energy sector

While the Trump administration has implemented the new executive orders aimed at keeping the lights on for the coal sector in the United States, it’s hard to argue with facts. And the evidence suggests that the American public is wary of coal power and instead favors the safe and reliable energy creation that solar, wind, and battery storage present.

More than 3.6 GW of coal-powered energy has now been delayed or canceled, including plans to retire the coal-fired Units 1 and 2 of Brandon Shore. Which only adds to the importance of the solar sector in the United States.

The US Energy Information Agency has stated that “If current retirement intentions are realized, coal-fired power plants will account for 71% of the retired capacity this year, followed by natural gas (19%).”

“There is considerable downside risk for the solar industry if the federal permitting environment creates more constraints for solar projects. The solar industry is already navigating dramatic policy changes as a result of HR1. Further uncertainty from federal policy actions is making the business environment for the solar industry incredibly challenging.” – Michelle Davis, head of solar research at Wood Mackenzie

The SEIA wrote to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum last month, raising its concerns

The Solar Energy Industries Association wrote a letter to the Department of the Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, who is a Trump appointee, regarding their concerns over the current administration’s policies.

“Solar and storage are the backbone of America’s energy future, delivering the majority of new power to the grid at the lowest cost to families and businesses. Instead of unleashing this American economic engine, the Trump administration is deliberately stifling investment, which is raising energy costs for families and businesses, and jeopardizing the reliability of our electric grid. But no matter what policies this administration releases, the solar and storage industry will continue to grow, because the market is demanding what we’re delivering: reliable, affordable, American-made energy.” – SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

Despite the Trump administration’s best efforts, solar remains a crucial part of the American energy sector

The Donald Trump administration has been very busy attempting to roll back any progress made in the energy sector by the previous administration. The US needs a reliable and safe energy source to power the growth taking place at an incredible pace. The solar power sector has seen significant advancements being made at Universities in the United States, and industry insiders have questioned why the Trump administration has such disdain for the solar sector. Regardless, solar power is here to stay.