U.S. Solar and Storage Capacity to Surge by 86 GW in 2026
The U.S. electric grid is set for a record addition of 86 GW in 2026, with solar and battery storage making up nearly 80% of this expansion. The energy transition is accelerating as renewable sources increase their share of electricity generation.
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Developers plan to add 86 GW of utility-scale capacity in 2026, primarily driven by solar and battery storage technologies. Utility-scale solar is projected to contribute 43.4 GW, a 60% increase from 2025, with Texas accounting for 40% of new projects.
Battery storage will see a record addition of 24 GW, up from 15 GW last year, with Texas leading at 12.9 GW. Wind capacity is expected to grow by 11.8 GW, including major offshore projects like Vineyard Wind 1.
By early 2027, solar and wind generation is anticipated to surpass 20% of the U.S. electricity mix, while natural gas capacity is expected to drop below 39%. This shift indicates a significant transformation in the energy landscape.
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