The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has projected 63 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electricity-generating projects in 2025, with solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage driving the majority of growth.
Solar PV Dominates New Additions
Solar PV is expected to account for more than half of the new capacity, with 32.5GW forecasted for 2025. This follows a record 30GW added in 2024. The EIA’s projections are in line with earlier estimates from the American Clean Power Association (ACP), which had predicted 32GW of utility-scale solar PV additions in 2024.
Texas is set to lead the country in solar PV growth, contributing nearly a third of all new additions. The state is expected to add 11.6GW, almost four times more than California, which is forecast to install 2.9GW. Together, Texas and California will account for nearly half of the solar PV capacity added in 2025.
This growing disparity between the two states will further widen the gap in installed utility-scale solar PV capacity. As of mid-2024, Texas surpassed California to become the leading state in installed solar capacity, according to the American Clean Power Association.
Other States Contributing to Solar Growth
Several other states are also expected to see significant solar PV additions. Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, Florida, and New York are each forecast to add over 1GW of solar PV, collectively contributing 7.8GW to the 2025 total.
Despite these additions, the overall pace of solar installations in 2025 is expected to be slower than in 2024. According to the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the U.S. will install less solar capacity in 2025 than it did the previous year.
Battery Storage Growth
Alongside solar, battery storage is poised to be a major contributor to utility-scale capacity growth. The EIA anticipates a record 18.2GW of utility-scale battery storage will be added in 2025, marking a nearly 8GW increase from the 10.3GW installed in 2024.
Battery storage is increasingly recognized for its role in stabilizing the grid by balancing supply and demand, particularly when paired with renewable energy sources like solar. According to data from market research firm Rho Motion, the U.S. and Canada were the second-largest regions in terms of installed battery storage capacity in 2024, behind China. California alone installed half of the nearly 40GWh of battery storage capacity added in 2024.
Looking Ahead: Solar PV and Battery Storage Lead the Way
When combined, solar PV and battery storage are expected to contribute 50.7GW of the total 63GW of new utility-scale power additions in 2025. As the U.S. continues to invest in renewable energy and storage, these technologies will play a key role in the country’s energy transition.
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