U.S. Solar Kickoffs Set to Heat Up Alongside Blistering Summer

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Written by Will Ploch, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

With its solar power-generation capacity set to grow 20% this summer, the U.S. could see up to $27 billion worth of solar projects begin construction, the most likely of which will be in the Rocky Mountains region.

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Get Ready for a Scorcher

This summer is expected to be one of the hottest on record for the U.S., and solar power-generation facilities will be happy to "take the heat." While solar-generation capacity is expected to increase 20% this summer, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), many generators are expanding or building entirely new capacity. Industrial Info Resources is tracking more than $27 billion worth of solar power-generation projects that are set to begin construction across the U.S. from July through September.

"Our forecast assumes a 3% increase in cooling degree days" this summer, the EIA said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook, "which results in 1,620 billion kilowatt-hours (KWh) of electricity being generated in these months, a 3% increase from last summer. We expect the increase will be met almost entirely by increased generation from renewable fuel sources."

The expected rise in temperatures is attributed to a developing El Niño pattern and severe drought conditions in the Western U.S., particularly the Rocky Mountains region. "Cooling degree days" is a measurement used to determine how much energy will be needed to cool buildings, by analyzing how often outside air temperatures are higher than a specific base temperature.

According to Industrial Info Resources data, more than $6 billion of the total investment in third-quarter solar kickoffs is attributed to projects rated with a high probability (81% or more) of beginning construction as scheduled. These include the single largest project: SoftBank Corporation's Libra Solar Plant in Yerington, Nevada, which is designed to generate 700 megawatts (MW) and carry up to 700 MW in a battery energy-storage system (BESS) unit.

Libra faced scrutiny last year from the Trump administration, which generally has been hostile to renewable-energy projects, particularly those developed on federal lands. But, following a five-month holdup in development, the Bureau of Land Management ultimately allowed the project to proceed in December. The energy produced will be sold to utility NV Energy under a long-term agreement, according to SoftBank.

Industrial Info Resources offers more information on Libra in its Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Power Plant and Project databases, where readers can find details--including construction schedules, investment values and necessary equipment--in a plant profile and project report.

Other grassroot projects deemed likely to begin construction include Zeus Renewable Energy Development LLC's 250-MW Armstrong Solar Plant in Claude, Texas, and Boralex Incorporated's 250-MW Armstrong Solar Plant in Fort Covington, New York. Both are slated to kick off in September. Readers can consult detailed reports for the Armstrong and Fort Covington projects.

According to Industrial Info Resources data, grassroot projects account for more than 90% of U.S.-based solar power-generation projects that are set to kick off in the third quarter, and more than 85% of those with a high likelihood of beginning construction as scheduled.

By the Numbers

• More than $6 billion: Total value of third-quarter solar kickoffs with a high probability of beginning as scheduled
• 3%: The EIA's projected increase in U.S. power generation for this summer, which is set to be one of the hottest on record
• More than 90%: Share of investment in third-quarter solar kickoffs that are grassroot projects

Roasting Temps in the Rockies

The top spot for solar-generation kickoffs with a high likelihood of starting as currently planned over the coming three months is the Rocky Mountains region, which is home to more than half of the related investments. The largest of these is a two-parter: Enlight Renewable Energy is preparing to begin construction on Phase I and Phase II of its CO Bar Solar Plant in Flagstaff, Arizona, which are designed to generate 206 and 400 MW, respectively.

Altogether, the CO Bar project is to be developed in five phases, with a total capacity of 1.21 gigawatts (GW). Each phase includes a BESS unit with an equal amount of MW storage. Readers can learn more from a plant profile and detailed reports on Phase I and Phase II.

Deployments of BESS units have become a crucial part of U.S.-based solar-power development, but trade and tariff fights have been threatening the growth trajectory. For more information, readers can consult Industrial Info Resources' June 1, 2026, article - U.S. Energy Storage Deployments Rose, But Clouds are On the Horizon.

Earthrise Energy Incorporated, an independent power producer, is preparing for an addition to its solar plant in Gibson City, Illinois. The 346-MW initial phase started construction toward the beginning of the year and is expected to wrap in first-quarter 2027; the 135-MW addition is expected to be completed in the following quarter. Readers can learn more from a plant profile and detailed reports on Phase I and Phase II.

The Industrial Info Resources GMI Project and Plant databases offer a full list of detailed reports for projects mentioned in this article, and a full list of related plant profiles.

Industrial Info Resources also offers a full list of reports for solar power-generation projects that are set to begin construction across the U.S. from July through September.

Key Takeaways

• This summer is expected to be one of the hottest on record for the U.S.
• More than $27 billion worth of U.S. solar power-generation projects are set to begin construction from July through September.
• The Rocky Mountains region accounts for the most third-quarter solar-generation investment likely to kick off as planned.

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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 verified plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).