Solar, wind, and storage projected to supply nearly all new U.S. generating capacity in 2026

Washington, DC | March 06 2026

Solar energy, wind power, and battery storage are expected to account for nearly all net new electricity generating capacity added in the United States in 2026, according to the latest projections from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Federal capacity outlook data shows that developers plan to bring a significant volume of renewable generation and energy storage online this year, continuing a multi year shift away from new fossil fuel power plants. Solar photovoltaic projects, combined with large scale battery storage installations, are projected to represent the majority of new capacity additions to the U.S. grid.

Solar and storage lead new additions

EIA forecasts indicate that utility scale solar will be the single largest source of new generating capacity in 2026, with tens of gigawatts scheduled to enter service nationwide. Battery energy storage systems are projected to follow closely, reflecting the growing role of storage in balancing intermittent renewable generation and meeting peak electricity demand.

Wind power is also expected to contribute a meaningful share of new capacity, although additions are forecast to trail solar and storage as developers prioritize projects with shorter development timelines and lower capital risk.

Together, solar, wind, and battery storage are expected to account for the vast majority of net new U.S. capacity, while additions from natural gas remain limited and coal capacity continues to decline due to ongoing plant retirements.

Why storage growth matters

The rapid expansion of battery storage is a notable feature of the 2026 outlook. Storage systems are increasingly deployed alongside solar projects to shift daytime generation into evening demand periods, strengthen grid reliability, and reduce curtailment during periods of high renewable output.

Grid operators and utilities are also using battery storage to provide ancillary services such as frequency regulation and reserve capacity, roles that were traditionally filled by fossil fueled generators.

Broader market implications

The projected 2026 capacity mix highlights how quickly the U.S. power sector is evolving. Shorter construction timelines, declining technology costs, and rising electricity demand from data centers, manufacturing, and electrification are pushing developers toward assets that can be built and connected to the grid faster.

While project timelines and interconnection delays could affect final commissioning schedules, the EIA’s generator inventory remains one of the most closely watched indicators of near term capacity trends in the U.S. electricity market.