Solar energy accounted for more than three-quarters of all new U.S. generating capacity in the first five months of 2025, maintaining its position as the leading source of new additions for the 21st consecutive month, according to data released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and analysed by the SUN DAY Campaign.
Between January and May, 11.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity were added, representing 75.3% of all new utility-scale generation. Wind followed with 2.4 GW, accounting for 15.6%, FERC data showed.
Combined, the two technologies made up nearly 91% of all new generating capacity during the period.
In May alone, solar represented nearly 59% of new capacity with 1.5 GW commissioned. Major projects brought online included the 305-megawatt (MW) Bright Arrow Solar & Storage project in Texas, the 300MW Papago Solar facility in Arizona, and the 250MW Fairbanks Solar Energy Center in Indiana.
The total installed utility-scale capacity of solar (11.1%) and wind (11.8%) now comprises almost one-quarter of the U.S. electricity mix. When small-scale solar systems are included, total renewable energy generation reaches approximately one-third.
FERC projections indicate solar capacity could increase by nearly 90 GW by May 2028, a rate nearly four times greater than expected growth for wind. If current trends continue, solar may surpass coal and potentially wind in installed capacity within two years. Renewables overall could approach 40% of national capacity within three years.
“FERC’s forecasts suggest that cleaner and lower-cost renewable energy sources will continue to grow, retaining their lead over coal and nuclear power while closing the gap with natural gas,” said Ken Bossong, executive director of the SUN DAY Campaign.
The U.S. energy market continues to shift toward renewable sources, driven by falling costs, supportive policy frameworks, and growing demand for low-carbon electricity.
