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Renewables Surge: Solar & Wind Outpace Gas
27 Jul
Summary
- Renewables supplied 30% of U.S. electricity in early 2026.
- Utility-scale solar capacity grew by nearly 28 GW in one year.
- Battery storage added 16.5 GW capacity to stabilize the grid.
Renewable energy capacity is experiencing accelerated growth in the U.S., with projections anticipating an additional 83 gigawatts by May 2027. During the first five months of 2026, renewables provided 30% of the nation's electricity. This marks a significant shift as solar power's rapid expansion challenges natural gas for installed capacity leadership.
Utility-scale solar alone added nearly 28 gigawatts of capacity between May 2025 and May 2026, with smaller-scale solar contributing an additional 6.6 gigawatts. Concurrently, battery storage capacity grew by 16.5 gigawatts, enhancing the reliability of renewable sources. These advancements are reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving air quality.
Despite policy headwinds, developers continue to build renewable infrastructure, with total added capacity increasing by 41% year-over-year. Experts project that solar could surpass natural gas in capacity by spring 2027. This transition is expected to lead to cleaner, more affordable, and stable energy for consumers.
