Following 35% growth, solar has passed hydro on US grid

Did you see that solar power just overtook hydropower in the U.S. grid? In 2025, solar energy surged by 35%, marking a significant milestone. This growth is especially impressive considering overall electricity demand also increased by 2.8%, which was partially met by a 13% rise in coal use. It’s a mixed bag of progress and setbacks.

Looking ahead, the U.S. is set to add 43 GW of solar capacity in 2026, outpacing the 27 GW added in 2025. Wind power is also on the rise, with 12 GW expected. This is a big deal for renewables, as they could soon account for nearly a quarter of the electricity mix.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting: the rapid expansion of battery storage is crucial. With 24 GW of new battery capacity anticipated, it’ll help ensure that excess solar power doesn’t go to waste. This means we’re not just growing in numbers, but also in efficiency. The future of energy is looking brighter, even if coal is still hanging around for now.