Solar Leads New US Power Capacity Additions
Wind and solar made up 95% of new US generating capacity added in the first quarter of 2026, according to federal data.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Utilities
Solar and wind accounted for 95% of new US generating capacity added in the first quarter of 2026, with solar alone representing 78% of additions. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission data shows solar has been the largest source of new monthly capacity for more than two and a half years.
Why it matters
The shift shows renewables now dominate new utility-scale additions nationwide, with natural gas contributing less than 5% of new capacity in the quarter. Wind and solar together account for 24.8% of total installed US utility-scale generating capacity.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission data shows 6,034.4 MW of utility-scale solar and 1,316.1 MW of wind entered service in Q1 2026, while biomass added 4.8 MW and no other sources were reported. Projections for April 2026 to March 2029 remain forecasts and do not reflect actual outcomes.
The players
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
The independent federal agency that regulates interstate electricity and natural gas markets and publishes capacity data for the US grid.
Sun Day Campaign
An advocacy organization that analyzed FERC data to highlight the growth of solar generation in the United States.
The details
Solar contributed the bulk of additions, while wind accounted for 17% of new capacity and natural gas less than 5%. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published its Energy Infrastructure Update on 29 October 2026 using data through 31 March 2026.
Timeline
First quarter 2026: Wind and solar capacity additions entered service.
31 March 2026: Data cutoff for the FERC Energy Infrastructure Update.
29 October 2026: FERC published the Energy Infrastructure Update.
April 2026 to March 2029: FERC forecast period for projected capacity additions.
Roadmap
The FERC Energy Infrastructure Update series tracks the transition away from fossil-dominated capacity additions toward wind and solar. The projected 134,866 MW of renewable net additions through March 2029 continues that trajectory, while fossil and nuclear growth is forecast at 15,450 MW.
Growth in utility-scale solar and wind shapes the mix of power sources feeding the national grid that households and businesses rely on. Shifts in new capacity can influence future electricity supply and the generation sources behind customer bills.
The takeaway
Renewables now supply most new US generating capacity, so tracking the composition of new additions offers a clear view of where the nation's electricity supply is heading. Following FERC's periodic updates is the most direct way to monitor these shifts.
Further reading
Explore more on Utilities for context on how renewable additions are reshaping the US power grid.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Windtech-international.
