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Released November 12, 2025 | SUGAR LAND
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Written for Industrial Info Resources by Daniel Graeber (Sugar Land, Texas)
Last year, some 31 gigawatts (GW) of power were added to the national grid by way of utility-scale solar facilities. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the data arm of the Energy Department, said it's expecting to see another 32 GW of solar power added over the next 12 months.
That makes it the fastest-growing source of new electric power capacity in the nation. Solar power is gaining traction among renewable options in the U.S. economy, overtaking wind energy in July 2024 in terms of market share.
A recent report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is even more optimistic, with data showing the U.S. market now has more than 60 GW worth of solar module-manufacturing capacity, a 37% increase from December 2024.
With Corning Incorporated's (Corning, New York) new plant for solar components coming onstream in Michigan during the third quarter, the SEIA said the United States can now produce every major component of the solar supply chain, helping to break a dependency on Chinese components.
Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Industrial Manufacturing Project Database can learn more by viewing the project report.
The EIA added that solar projects are advancing with fewer delays. During the third quarter, some 20% of the planned projects experienced some sort of setback, compared to 25% during the same period last year.
The Trump administration has decried renewable energy, pointing to the intermittent nature of wind and solar power as cause for concern. His government has worked to reverse an expected decline in the coal sector instead by opening up federal lands for mining, placing specific coal-mining projects on fast-track permitting lists and allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to help strengthen the coal-burning power sector.
An executive order in April classified coal as a "mineral," which could lead to faster permitting on federal lands. A recent coal auction, however, was abandoned after high bidders offered paltry terms.
"Solar energy is a winner at the ballot box," the solar advocacy group said. "All policymakers and candidates for office in 2026 would be wise to follow the blueprint laid out by this year's winners and prioritize lowering people's electricity bills by expanding solar and storage."
By the Numbers
About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 trillion (USD).
Summary
Solar power is advancing on the U.S. energy grid with fewer delays. It's expected to be the largest, single source of new power generation in the country, despite political support for fossil fuels.Another 32 GW of U.S. Solar on the Way
After a banner year in solar power additions, the U.S. Department of Energy said it's expecting even greater expansion with fewer project delays over the next 12 months.Last year, some 31 gigawatts (GW) of power were added to the national grid by way of utility-scale solar facilities. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the data arm of the Energy Department, said it's expecting to see another 32 GW of solar power added over the next 12 months.
That makes it the fastest-growing source of new electric power capacity in the nation. Solar power is gaining traction among renewable options in the U.S. economy, overtaking wind energy in July 2024 in terms of market share.
A recent report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is even more optimistic, with data showing the U.S. market now has more than 60 GW worth of solar module-manufacturing capacity, a 37% increase from December 2024.
With Corning Incorporated's (Corning, New York) new plant for solar components coming onstream in Michigan during the third quarter, the SEIA said the United States can now produce every major component of the solar supply chain, helping to break a dependency on Chinese components.
Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Industrial Manufacturing Project Database can learn more by viewing the project report.
The EIA added that solar projects are advancing with fewer delays. During the third quarter, some 20% of the planned projects experienced some sort of setback, compared to 25% during the same period last year.
Gains Come Despite Lack of Support
Gains are coming despite political support for fossil fuels. July's One Big Beautiful Bill Act ended federal tax credits for solar and wind energy, though projects slated for construction by July may still be eligible.The Trump administration has decried renewable energy, pointing to the intermittent nature of wind and solar power as cause for concern. His government has worked to reverse an expected decline in the coal sector instead by opening up federal lands for mining, placing specific coal-mining projects on fast-track permitting lists and allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to help strengthen the coal-burning power sector.
An executive order in April classified coal as a "mineral," which could lead to faster permitting on federal lands. A recent coal auction, however, was abandoned after high bidders offered paltry terms.
Renewables Win at the Ballot Box
Meanwhile, the SEIA said after recent elections that voters threw their support behind candidates that backed a greener agenda. In Virginia, winners primarily from the Democratic Party won support by embracing solar and battery storage."Solar energy is a winner at the ballot box," the solar advocacy group said. "All policymakers and candidates for office in 2026 would be wise to follow the blueprint laid out by this year's winners and prioritize lowering people's electricity bills by expanding solar and storage."
By the Numbers
- 32 GW of U.S. solar power expected to be added over the next 12 months.
- 60 GW worth of solar module-manufacturing capacity already exists.
- 20% of the planned projects experienced some sort of setback, down from last year.
- Solar passed wind in terms of U.S. market share last year.
- Gains come despite the end of federal tax credits.
- Renewables may have won at the ballot box.
About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 trillion (USD).
