Solar and Storage Dominate U.S. Energy Growth, Setting New Records in 2026
In the first half of 2026, solar and storage technologies have set multiple records in the U.S. energy sector. Solar and storage accounted for 91% of new grid capacity in Q1 2026, marking a significant milestone. For the first time, solar energy generation surpassed coal, supplying nearly 13% of the nation's electricity. California and Texas have been at the forefront, with California's solar generation reaching 23 GW and Texas setting multiple records for renewable energy contributions. These developments highlight the rapid growth and integration of solar and storage into the national energy grid.