The future of renewable energy is here, and it's an exciting prospect! Get ready for a renewable revolution!
According to the SUN DAY Campaign's analysis of the US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) data, the year 2026 is set to be a game-changer for renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, and battery storage are predicted to take center stage, adding an impressive 62% more generating capacity compared to 2025. This means that these sustainable powerhouses will be responsible for virtually all new electricity generation this year.
But here's where it gets even more intriguing...
Solar Sets New Records:
The EIA's latest report reveals that solar energy is the fastest-growing electricity source in the US. In 2025, utility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic generation soared by 34.5%, while small-scale rooftop solar PV systems experienced an 11% increase. Together, these solar technologies accounted for nearly 9% of the total US electrical generation, a significant jump from the previous year. Solar now dominates renewable energy sources, contributing over 33% of the total renewable generation.
Wind Remains the Top Renewable:
Wind turbines across the nation produced a substantial 10.3% of US electricity in 2025, an increase of 2.8% from 2024. Wind power, along with utility-scale and small-scale solar, accounted for 18.9% of the US total, surpassing the previous year's figure. Interestingly, wind and solar combined generated more electricity than coal and nuclear power plants, highlighting their growing importance.
The Rise of Renewables:
The mix of all renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal, produced 9.6% more electricity in 2025 than the year before. Renewables now hold the second position in US electricity generation, with a 25.7% share, just behind natural gas. And here's the part most people miss: natural gas output dropped by 3.3% in 2025, indicating a potential shift towards cleaner energy alternatives.
Solar, Wind, and Storage Dominance:
In 2025, utility-scale solar capacity expanded by an impressive 27,738.4 MW, while small-scale solar capacity increased by 6,277.4 MW. The EIA forecasts continued growth, with an additional 44,470.0 MW of utility-scale solar capacity expected by the end of 2026. Battery storage also experienced significant growth, with a 58.4% increase in capacity during the year. Planned additions for 2026 are even more substantial, with a further 56.7% increase predicted.
Wind power also made a strong showing, adding 6,173.6 MW in 2025. Planned capacity additions for 2026 are expected to nearly double this amount.
By the end of 2025, renewables accounted for over 33% of utility-scale capacity, and when small-scale solar is included, this share rises to 36.3%. If the EIA's forecasts are accurate, new capacity additions by solar, wind, and battery storage in 2026 will be 62% higher than in 2025.
In contrast, natural gas capacity increased by only 5,731.5 MW, and nuclear power added a mere 60.3 MW. Meanwhile, coal capacity saw a significant decline, dropping by 4,397.4 MW. This highlights the shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources.
A Renewable Energy Boom:
During the first year of the Trump administration, renewable energy capacity, including battery storage, small-scale solar, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, grew by a staggering 55,808.8 MW. In comparison, fossil fuels and nuclear power combined grew by a mere 772.7 MW. This disparity emphasizes the rapid growth and potential of renewable energy sources.
All Net New Capacity in 2026 = Renewables:
Capacity growth from utility-scale renewables and batteries in 2026 is projected to reach 80,809.2 MW. The net capacity of natural gas, coal, and oil is expected to decline, and no new nuclear capacity is currently predicted. This means that renewables and battery storage will account for all net new utility-scale capacity additions in 2026.
If the EIA's forecast materializes, by the end of 2026, the mix of all renewables, including small-scale solar, would surpass natural gas in capacity. The installed capacity of utility-scale and small-scale solar combined would exceed wind, solar, and even double nuclear power. This dramatic growth in renewable energy capacity is a testament to the progress and potential of these sustainable sources.
The Key Takeaway:
Ken Bossong, Executive Director of the SUN DAY Campaign, summarizes the EIA's 2025 data as a testament to the dramatic growth of solar, wind, and battery storage. He suggests that if the EIA's projections for 2026 prove correct, we haven't seen the full potential of renewable energy yet.
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Get started on your renewable energy journey today and be a part of this exciting future!
