Solar and wind energy have been dominating the new electrical generating capacity in the United States, with almost 91% of new capacity added in the first five months of 2025 coming from these renewable sources. This data was released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in their latest “Energy Infrastructure Update” report, showcasing the growing trend towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
In May 2025 alone, 58.7% of all new generating capacity added was from solar, with 1,515 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity coming online. This trend continued in the first five months of the year, with solar accounting for 75.3% of new capacity added. Solar has now been the largest source of new generating capacity added for 21 consecutive months, highlighting its rapid growth and popularity in the energy sector.
Wind energy also contributed significantly, with 2,379 MW of capacity added between January and May, making up 15.6% of new capacity added during that period. Combined, solar and wind accounted for 90.9% of new capacity added in the first five months of 2025, while natural gas and oil only contributed 9.0% and 0.1%, respectively.
The installed capacities of solar and wind now make up 22.9% of the total available utility-scale generating capacity in the US. When considering small-scale solar systems not reflected in FERC’s data, renewables overall claim a 32.0% share of total US utility-scale generating capacity.
Looking ahead, FERC’s forecasts indicate that solar is on track to become the second-largest source of US generating capacity, surpassing coal and wind within the next few years. By 2028, solar is projected to account for 16.7% of installed utility-scale generating capacity, with wind contributing an additional 12.7%.
Renewables as a whole are expected to continue increasing their share of generating capacity, potentially overtaking natural gas by 2029. FERC’s data indicate that renewable energy capacity is growing rapidly, with solar leading the way in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Overall, the shift towards renewables is clear, with solar and wind leading the charge in the US energy landscape. As the federal solar tax credit is set to expire this year, now is the perfect time for individuals and businesses to consider making the switch to solar energy and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.
