Solar energy growth in the United States has slowed considerably in the first seven months of 2026, marking a notable deceleration from the sector's previous explosive expansion. Whilst solar generation increased by 48 terawatt-hours year-on-year—a respectable 22 percent growth rate—this represents a significant drop from the 30-plus percent growth seen in recent years. The slowdown coincides with federal government policies hostile to renewables and the removal of incentive schemes, though this occurs at a time when solar remains the cheapest way to meet rising electricity demands.

Despite the slower solar growth, renewables have still managed to cover the entirety of increased electricity demand on the grid. Wind and solar combined contributed 55 terawatt-hours of new generation whilst total grid demand rose by only 51 terawatt-hours, demonstrating that the renewable transition continues to function effectively. Across the first seven months of 2026, wind and solar account for 21 percent of US electricity demand, whilst solar alone has generated 72 percent as much electricity as coal—aided by coal's own 10 percent decline. Including hydroelectric and nuclear power, non-carbon-emitting sources now account for 45 percent of US electricity generation, a notable achievement compared to the European Union's 65 percent emissions-free generation.