Solar energy now accounts for 10.53% of total installed generating capacity in the United States, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Solar capacity is nearing that of wind energy, which stands at 11.77% of total capacity. FERC projects that solar will surpass wind in the coming years.
However, fossil fuels remain the primary source of power on US grids, with natural gas representing nearly 43% of capacity and coal accounting for 15%. Hydropower contributes 7.6%, according to FERC data.
While natural gas continues to dominate the energy mix, solar leads in new installations.
In January 2025, 2,950 MW of solar was added to the grid, compared to just 60 MW of new natural gas capacity.
Looking ahead, FERC tracks 89 GW of high-probability solar capacity additions through January 2028, significantly outpacing the 16 GW expected from natural gas.
Additionally, 16 GW of natural gas capacity and nearly 25 GW of coal are projected to be retired within the same period, signaling a shift toward emissions-free power sources.
Recent solar projects that have come online include:
Angelo Solar & Storage Project (195.4 MW) – Tom Green County, Texas
Atlanta Farms Solar Project (190 MW) – Pickaway County, Ohio (contracted to AEP Energy Partners LP)
Dunns Bridge Solar Project (435 MW) – Jasper County, Indiana
Eldorado Solar Project (150 MW) – Saline County, Illinois
Porter Solar Project (245.8 MW) – Denton County, Texas
Spanish Peaks Solar Expansion Project (140 MW) – Las Animas County, Colorado (contracted to Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association Inc.)
A complete list of new solar capacity additions can be found in FERC’s Energy Infrastructure Update report.
