The U.S. solar power industry has installed a substantial 11.7 GW of new generation in the third quarter of this year, marking the third-largest quarterly gain on record. This surge has propelled total solar installations in 2025 above the 30-GW level, according to a report from Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Notably, 73% of all new solar capacity installed in the U.S. has been added in so-called “red states,” those won by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. This is significant given the Trump administration’s support for fossil fuels and actions to limit renewable energy since the start of his second term in January.
The report highlights that 85% of all new power generation capacity from January through September of this year was solar power and energy storage. The top states for new solar installations include Texas, the nation’s leader in renewable energy capacity, along with Indiana, Florida, Arizona, Ohio, Utah, Kentucky, Arkansas, California, and Illinois. Utah’s entry into the top ranks is notable, thanks to the addition of two utility-scale solar projects totaling more than 1 GW of capacity.
However, the report also points to challenges posed by the Trump administration. A memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) in July, along with other actions, has impeded utility-scale solar and storage projects. The report cites “significant business uncertainty” due to “the absence of clarity from DOI on permitting timelines or project approvals.” SEIA’s analysis of Energy Information Administration data in November revealed that more than 73 GW of solar projects have permits pending, vulnerable to what it termed politically-motivated delays or cancellations.
Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA president and CEO, emphasized the market’s shift towards solar despite administrative hurdles. “This record-setting quarter for solar deployment shows that the market is continuing to turn to solar to meet rising demand,” Hopper said. She noted the remarkable growth in states won by President Trump, but warned that without a change in course, the future of clean, affordable, and reliable solar and storage will be frozen by uncertainty, leading to higher energy bills for Americans.
The report also highlighted a significant boost in domestic solar manufacturing. With the opening of two new solar module manufacturing facilities in Louisiana and South Carolina, totaling 4.7 GW of production, the U.S. has added 17.7 GW of new module manufacturing capacity this year. The recent opening of a new wafer facility in Michigan means that domestic manufacturers can now produce every major component of the solar module supply chain.
Looking ahead, Michelle Davis, head of solar research at Wood Mackenzie and lead author of the report, expects 250 gigawatts of solar to be installed from 2025 to 2030. However, she noted that the U.S. solar industry has more potential. With substantial increases in power demand across the nation, the solar industry could meet more of this new demand if existing constraints were alleviated, presenting an upside to the current forecast.
This news underscores the resilience and growth of the U.S. solar industry despite regulatory challenges. The sector’s expansion in traditionally conservative states suggests a broader market-driven shift towards renewable energy, regardless of political affiliations. The administration’s actions, however, pose significant risks to this momentum. The industry’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining the pace and scale of future solar deployments. The recent manufacturing advancements indicate a strengthening of domestic supply chains, which could further bolster the sector’s growth and competitiveness. As the industry looks to the future, the interplay between market forces, regulatory policies, and technological advancements will shape the trajectory of solar power in the U.S.