Expanding beyond traditional strongholds, US clean energy capacity widens its reach even as overall growth pace declines.
The pace of new US solar, wind and battery capacity growth has slowed sharply in 2025, marking the smallest annual percentage increase in more than a decade, according to energy data platform Cleanview. National combined capacity is projected to rise by around 7% from 2024, with Texas and California, the two largest clean energy states, expanding at below-average rates.
The slowdown follows significant cuts to solar and wind incentives under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has dampened sentiment across the sector. Texas and California together account for more than one-third of the US clean energy footprint but have posted only 8% growth in solar capacity so far this year, with California seeing its weakest expansion on record. Other major solar states, including Florida, Nevada, Georgia and Virginia, have also underperformed.
In contrast, Arizona, Ohio and Indiana recorded solar growth rates more than double the national average, helping to sustain overall capacity increases. Total US solar capacity has risen by 181% since 2020 to approximately 136,250 megawatts, although this year’s 10% rise is well below the recent annual average of 27%.
Wind power growth remains subdued, with capacity up just 1.8% so far in 2025, the slowest increase since at least 2010. Cost inflation and challenges in securing suitable sites have stalled expansion in most top wind states. Only Texas, at 2.1%, and Illinois, at 4.5%, exceeded the national average.
Battery energy storage remains the strongest growth area. National utility-scale capacity has reached 33,212 megawatts, up 22% from 2024. Arizona, Nevada, Massachusetts and Idaho have all recorded gains well above the national average, while California and Texas lagged again. Federal support for battery systems remains intact, making them the fastest-growing segment and a crucial tool for balancing surplus renewable generation.
Combined US solar, wind and battery capacity reached 325,700 megawatts by mid-2025, suggesting that despite slowing solar and wind expansion, the clean energy footprint will continue to grow as battery deployment accelerates.
