Solar and storage dominate US grid additions with 91% of new capacity in Q1 2026
By
Michelle Lewis
Summary
Solar and storage accounted for 91% of all new power capacity added to the US grid in Q1 2026, according to a SEIA and Wood Mackenzie report. The US added 7.8 GW of new solar capacity in Q1, surpassing 6 million total solar installations. Solar remains the top source of new electricity generation despite growing political and regulatory pressure in Washington, as utilities, businesses, and homeowners continue adopting solar amid surging electricity demand driven by AI growth.
Source
bskySolar and storage dominate US grid additions with 91% of new capacity in Q1 2026electrek.coKey quotes
· 4 pulledSolar and storage made up a huge 91% of all new power capacity added to the US grid in Q1 2026
The US added 7.8 gigawatts of new solar capacity in Q1 alone, pushing the country past 6 million total solar installations
Solar stayed the top source of new electricity generation, even as the clean energy industry faces growing political and regulatory pressure in Washington
Utilities, businesses, and homeowners are continuing to turn to solar
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