Trump effect not as strong? Solar power in the U.S. is breaking records
American solar power is once again attracting the attention of global energy observers.
According to the latest data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), just in September 2025 another 2 GW of large-scale solar installations were added to the national grid. This brings U.S. PV additions since the start of the year to 21 GW — slightly but noticeably more than in the same period last year.
While other technologies are fighting for space in the energy mix, solar continues its rapid expansion. In 2025, it accounts for as much as 75% of all new power capacity brought online.
Solar on top. Wind and gas falling behind
All new energy investments commissioned this year amount to 28 GW. The structure of these additions leaves no doubt:
- 75% – solar farms
- 13% – wind power plants
- 11% – gas capacity
Although natural gas remains the most important source of installed capacity in the U.S. (42% of the system’s resources), the growing share of zero-emission technologies is starting to visibly reshape the sector. Wind + solar + hydro already make up 31% of total capacity — and the share continues to increase.
Rising demand and a technology race are shaping the new U.S. energy landscape
After years of stagnation, electricity demand in the U.S. is growing rapidly again — largely due to data centers, electrification, and industry returning to American soil.
Against this backdrop, Enverus Intelligence Research predicts that by 2050 the country’s installed capacity will increase by 57%, built on two pillars: solar PV and nuclear energy. According to analysts, the solar boom will peak in 2028, but even afterward the technology will remain economically unbeatable.
Political headwinds? The market moves forward anyway
The year 2025 is marked by tension surrounding renewables. Donald Trump’s administration is openly attacking clean energy, dismissing it as “unreliable and expensive.” In July, the president signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, phasing out solar and wind tax credits earlier than planned. Additionally, some renewable projects are facing delays due to stricter oversight and revoked permits.
And yet, the data tells a very different story from the political messaging: the market sees the future in solar and wind — and continues to invest confidently.
Why? For a very simple reason: they remain the cheapest, fastest, and most predictable technologies to build.
What will be built by 2028? FERC has a clear answer
Among the projects that FERC classifies as “highly likely” to be completed by September 2028, only one technology clearly dominates: solar PV.
Out of the planned 136 GW of new capacity:
- 91 GW (67%) — solar PV
- 23 GW (17%) — wind
- 20 GW (15%) — gas
- 335 MW (0.2%) — nuclear
Despite the government’s push for gas and nuclear, the market stubbornly follows the path of cheaper renewables.