U.S. solar growth surges as utility-scale projects lead the way

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Solar power keeps expanding across the United States, with large utility-scale projects leading the growth, according to the latest industry report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie.

The U.S. installed 11.4 gigawatts of solar capacity in the second quarter of 2026, up 45% from a year earlier. Utility-scale projects accounted for 9.6 gigawatts of that total, a 61% increase. Solar made up 45% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the first half of the year, and solar and battery storage together made up 70%.

The country also passed 6 million solar installations this year, two years after reaching 5 million, according to SEIA. In 2025, the U.S. added 43 gigawatts of solar, the fifth straight year that solar was the largest source of new power.

Not every part of the market is growing. Residential installations fell 12% from a year earlier after a federal tax credit for home solar expired at the end of 2025, and community solar fell 14%, although Illinois had its strongest second quarter on record for community solar.

Analysts expect the national solar fleet to roughly double over the next five years, but they point to new tariffs, permitting delays and federal deadlines as risks for projects still in development.