Solar and Wind Dominate New US Power Generation Capacity
A significant transition is underway in the American energy landscape, with renewable sources, particularly solar and wind, leading the charge in new power generation. Data released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reveals that these two clean energy technologies were responsible for nearly 91% of all new electricity generating capacity brought online in the United States during the first five months of 2025. This remarkable statistic underscores a clear and accelerating pivot towards sustainable energy solutions, moving the nation closer to a greener future.
Drilling down into the specifics, solar power has consistently emerged as a dominant force. In May 2025 alone, solar installations contributed 1,515 megawatts (MW) across 43 units, making up over half of all new generating capacity for that month. This performance extended throughout the initial five months of the year, with solar additions totaling 11,518 MW, accounting for more than three-quarters of the total new capacity. This consistent growth has positioned solar as the leading source of new generating capacity for 21 consecutive months, a testament to its expanding role in the energy mix. When combined with wind power, which added 2,379 MW during the same period, these two renewable giants collectively contributed the overwhelming majority of new capacity, dwarfing the contributions from natural gas and oil.
The long-term outlook for renewable energy in the U.S. remains exceptionally bright. Solar and wind power now represent a substantial portion of the nation's utility-scale generating capacity, collectively holding nearly 23% of the total. When accounting for smaller-scale solar installations, this share rises even higher, illustrating the widespread adoption of clean energy. Projections from FERC indicate continued robust growth for solar, with an anticipated 89,513 MW of high-probability additions over the next three years, significantly outpacing other energy sources. This trajectory suggests that solar is on track to surpass coal and even wind in installed generating capacity within the next two years, potentially becoming the second-largest source behind natural gas. This sustained expansion, coupled with the projected decline of fossil fuel capacities, signifies a profound and positive shift towards a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure for the United States.
The increasing prevalence of solar and wind energy signifies a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards environmental stewardship and a sustainable future. This shift not only reduces our carbon footprint but also fosters energy independence and drives innovation in green technologies. Embracing and investing in these clean energy solutions is not merely an economic decision but a commitment to safeguarding our planet for generations to come, demonstrating that progress and preservation can indeed go hand in hand.