The United States witnessed a significant shift in its electricity landscape in 2025, with solar generation stepping up to meet a substantial portion of the rising demand. According to a new analysis from Ember, solar power accounted for 61% of the increase in US electricity demand last year. This surge in solar capacity not only marked a record increase but also underscored the technology’s growing role in the nation’s energy mix.
US electricity demand rose by 135 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025, while solar generation increased by a record 83TWh. Dave Jones, chief analyst at Ember, emphasized the critical role of solar growth in meeting this demand. “Solar growth was essential in helping to meet fast-rising US electricity demand in 2025. It generated where it was needed, and – with the surge in batteries – increasingly when it was needed,” Jones stated.
The analysis revealed that solar growth was particularly pronounced in regions experiencing the largest rises in electricity demand. Texas, the Midwest, and the Mid-Atlantic saw the most significant solar expansion, meeting 81%, 81%, and 33% of demand growth in these regions, respectively. Notably, solar power met all daytime demand growth between 10:00 and 18:00 ET and contributed to evening demand due to the rising capacity of batteries.
Ember’s findings highlight the transformative impact of battery storage on solar power’s dispatchability. Batteries are increasingly turning solar from a daytime power source into a reliable, all-day electricity supply. This development is crucial as it addresses one of the longstanding challenges of solar energy: its intermittency.
Most of the new solar generation in 2025 was absorbed by the rising electricity demand rather than displacing existing supply. This trend suggests that solar power is not only supplementing but also driving the growth in electricity supply. Jones asserted, “Solar has the potential to meet all the rise in electricity demand and much more. With electricity demand surging, the case to build solar has never been stronger.”
The implications of this shift are profound. The rapid growth of solar generation and its increasing integration with battery storage could accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. It also underscores the need for continued investment in grid infrastructure to ensure that the benefits of solar power are fully realized. As electricity demand continues to rise, driven by factors such as electrification of transport and industry, solar power is poised to play an even more pivotal role in the US energy landscape.
This development also raises questions about policy and regulatory frameworks. How will existing policies adapt to the growing share of solar and battery storage in the grid? What incentives can be put in place to further accelerate the deployment of these technologies? These are critical questions that policymakers, industry stakeholders, and energy experts will need to address in the coming years.
In conclusion, the 2025 surge in solar generation represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the US electricity sector. It demonstrates the potential of solar power to meet rising demand and highlights the transformative impact of battery storage. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the role of solar power is set to become even more central, shaping the future of electricity generation and consumption in the United States.