US Solar Power Surges 35%, Overtakes Hydro on National Grid

Key Takeaways

• Solar power grew by an astonishing 35% in 2025, surpassing hydroelectricity as a source of US grid electricity for the first time.
• Overall US electrical consumption rose by 2.8% (121 terawatt-hours) in 2025, partially met by increased use of coal.
• Complex market dynamics, including high natural gas costs and turbine delays, led to a 13% increase in coal-fired electricity generation.
• Planned projects for 2026 include significant additions of 43 GW of solar and 12 GW of wind capacity.
• The US grid is approaching a critical “pivot point” where renewable energy growth could consistently offset rising demand, supported by rapid battery storage expansion.

What Happened

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released full-year data for 2025, revealing a pivotal shift in the nation's electricity generation mix. Solar power demonstrated remarkable growth, generating 35% more electricity than the previous year. This surge allowed solar to surpass hydroelectric power, marking its debut as a larger contributor to the US grid.

Simultaneously, overall electrical consumption in the US increased by 2.8%, amounting to approximately 121 terawatt-hours. While solar's 85 terawatt-hours of additional utility-scale and small-scale generation covered about two-thirds of this rising demand, the remaining gap, coupled with a lack of new nuclear plants, necessitated reliance on fossil fuels. This led to a 13% rise in electricity generated from coal, which experienced an unexpected comeback.

Why It Matters

This data signifies a transformative period for the US energy landscape. Solar's ascension past hydroelectric power underscores the rapid economic viability and widespread adoption of photovoltaic technology. However, the accompanying rise in overall demand and the surprising resurgence of coal highlight persistent challenges in decarbonizing the grid.

The increase in demand, following decades of relative flatness, raises concerns about future energy needs, even as efficient technologies like heat pumps and electric vehicles gain traction. Furthermore, complexities in the fossil fuel market—such as rising natural gas costs due to high demand, long turbine delays, and increased competition from international liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports—have inadvertently made coal a more economically attractive option, offsetting some environmental progress.

Key Details / Context

Historically, US electrical consumption remained largely flat for several decades. The 2025 increase, while not yet a definitive long-term trend, points to the potential impact of factors like the electrification of transportation and the expansion of data centers.

In 2025, solar alone contributed 85 terawatt-hours of additional power. Including wind power, renewables covered 73% of the rising demand. The economic shift in fossil fuels was stark: natural gas, typically the go-to for increased demand, faced hardware delays up to seven years and increased prices due to international competition. This allowed coal, despite administrative actions ordering some plants to remain available, to become more competitive, leading to its 13% production increase. Overall, 2025 saw increased production from coal, solar, and wind, with the combined excess displacing natural gas generation.

What Happens Next

The future outlook for US electricity generation suggests continued strong growth in renewables. Despite policy headwinds, economic forces are driving substantial capacity additions. The EIA's analysis of planned projects for 2026 forecasts 43 GW of new solar capacity, significantly more than the 27 GW added in 2025. This will be complemented by 12 GW of new wind power, including over 10% from offshore projects previously targeted by administrative blocks, and the 3.6 GW largest US wind farm in New Mexico.

These additions position wind and solar to further outpace hydropower and likely exceed any potential increase in coal power. Combined with hydroelectricity, renewable energy sources are projected to approach nearly a quarter of the US electricity mix, assuming demand doesn't surge dramatically. Crucially, 24 GW of new battery storage capacity is also anticipated, much of it co-located with solar in California and Texas, enhancing grid stability and reducing renewable energy waste. While 6.3 GW of new natural gas generation is expected in 2026, nearly half (2.8 GW) consists of combustion turbines designed to compensate for renewable variability. The US is nearing a key “pivot point” where robust wind and solar growth could consistently meet or exceed demand increases, though rising coal use remains a challenge to carbon emission reduction goals.

FAQ

Q: What was the most significant change in US electricity generation in 2025? A: Solar power grew 35% and surpassed hydroelectricity for the first time on the US grid.

Q: Why did coal use increase in 2025 despite renewable growth? A: High natural gas prices due to increased demand and international exports, coupled with long delays for gas turbine hardware, made coal-fired generation more economically viable.

Q: What does the future hold for US renewable energy capacity? A: Significant additions are planned for 2026, with 43 GW of solar and 12 GW of wind capacity, alongside 24 GW of new battery storage, pushing renewables towards a quarter of the US electricity mix.