A sizzling spring for U.S. solar

Dennis Wamsted and Seth Feaster | Source: IEEFA | Posted 05/02/2025

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Solar generation records have fallen across the U.S. in the past month, and the most impressive feature of this record-breaking spring is that it has occurred nationwide, not just in the traditional hot spots of California and Texas. Indeed, solar records have been set in all seven of the U.S.’s organized wholesale power markets.

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The U.S. has experienced a record-breaking spring for solar energy generation, with significant increases in capacity and output across all seven organized wholesale power markets. In 2024, the country added 31 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, bringing the total to 121.2 GW. Texas continues to lead in utility-scale solar, setting multiple peak generation records, while California has fallen to second place. The growth in solar generation is attributed to rapid capacity buildouts and the integration of battery storage, which has allowed for better management of demand and supply.

Regions like PJM and MISO have also seen substantial increases in solar generation, with PJM setting new records and MISO's solar share reaching 18.4 percent. Additionally, Florida Power & Light is aggressively expanding its solar capacity, planning to add over 17,000 MW in the next decade. This shift towards solar and battery storage not only aims to meet rising electricity demand but also to reduce reliance on gas, ultimately saving consumers on fuel costs. The combination of renewable energy sources and storage is becoming a critical strategy for utilities across the nation.

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A sizzling spring for U.S. solar

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