Utility-scale solar, wind and battery storage are expected to add more than 80 GW of generating capacity in the U.S. by Feb. 28, 2027, while total fossil fuel and nuclear power capacity will fall by almost 5-GW, according to a review of Energy Infrastructure Administration data reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign.
In Arizona, workers install solar panels while participating in McCarthy’s solar apprenticeship program. Credit: McCarthy Building Companies
As of March 1, renewable energy’s share of total U.S. utility-scale generating capacity was 33.4%. EIA projects this to grow to 36.6% by February 28, 2027. Solar is expected to add 42.6 GW, expanding its share from 12.7% to 15.5%, while wind will grow by 14.5 GW, increasing its total share from 13.1% to 13.6%. This includes 4,155.0-MW of new offshore wind capacity.
The combined capacity growth of all renewable energy sources for this 12-month period is 57.45 GW, compared to 32.98 GW during the previous 12-month period. Meanwhile, EIA projects no new generating capacity by nuclear power and a net decline of 4.9 GW in fossil fuel capacity.
EIA does not provide account for small-scale solar output in this data. However, it does report that as of the end of February, small-scale solar capacity totaled 60.19 GW, with over 10% of that coming activating last year. By comparison, natural gas’ share of generating capacity will drop from 40% to 38.3%.
For the forecasting period, EIA expects utility-scale battery energy storage to surge 51%, from 44,63 GW to 67.55 GW. The combination of renewable energy sources (including estimated small-scale solar) and battery energy storage is projected to provide approximately 86.37 GW of new clean capacity.
During January and February, electrical output by the mix of renewables increased by 10.8% and provided 26% of the United States’ energy generation.
“Notwithstanding all of the policy obstacles thrown up by the Trump administration during the last year, renewables raced ahead in 2025,” said Ken Bossong, executive direct of the SUN DAY Campaign. “Now they are poised to really press the pedal to the metal in 2026 and beyond.”
News item from the SUN DAY Campaign
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