US Solar Surges 35%, Tops Hydropower for First Time

For the first time in American history, the sun is beating the rivers. Solar power grew by more than 35 percent in 2025, officially generating more electricity than hydropower and proving that clean energy isn't just the future—it's arriving right now.

The numbers tell an exciting story. According to newly released federal data, the US added 27 gigawatts of solar capacity last year, pushing total solar generation 85 terawatt-hours higher than 2024. That's enough new clean energy to power millions of homes.

This boom comes at just the right time. America's electricity demand jumped 2.8 percent in 2025, driven by growing industrial activity and expanding data centers. Instead of relying entirely on fossil fuels to meet that surge, solar stepped up in a big way.

Solar alone met about two-thirds of the nation's increased energy demand. When combined with wind power, renewables covered 73 percent of new electricity needs. That's a remarkable achievement for technologies that seemed futuristic just a decade ago.

Four states are leading the charge. Texas, Arizona, California, and Michigan account for more than half of the new solar projects planned or under construction for 2026. These states are proving that different regions with different climates can all harness the sun's power effectively.

Wind energy is gearing up for its own comeback. Planned additions could more than double wind power growth in 2026, with 11.8 gigawatts of new capacity expected. Most of that expansion will happen in New Mexico, Texas, Illinois, and Wyoming.

The Bright Side

Battery storage is solving renewables' biggest challenge: keeping the lights on when the sun sets and wind stops blowing. The industry added a record 15 gigawatts of battery capacity to the grid in 2025, with plans to add another 24 gigawatts in 2026.

Federal projections show roughly 43 gigawatts of utility-scale solar capacity is planned or under construction for 2026. That could make this year even bigger for solar than last year's record-breaking performance.

Yes, fossil fuels still generate 58 percent of America's electricity. But the gap is closing faster than many experts predicted, and the momentum clearly favors renewables.

The energy transition isn't a distant dream anymore—it's happening in real time, powered by falling costs, smart policies, and the simple fact that sunshine is free and abundant.