Solar and batteries dominated new U.S. power construction in early 2026

What happened

Canary Media's review of federal energy data found that solar, battery storage, and wind supplied 90% of the generating capacity built in the United States during the first half of 2026. Solar and batteries together accounted for more than two-thirds, while Texas led total additions and the 3.65-gigawatt SunZia project helped move New Mexico into second place.

Why it matters

Construction data shows what is actually entering service, not only what developers have proposed. The mix points to rapid clean-power growth, but dependable low-carbon electricity still depends on transmission, interconnection, storage duration, demand management, and careful siting.

What to watch

• Whether projects in federal interconnection queues advance from proposals to completed capacity.
• Transmission and storage additions that help new solar and wind serve evening and high-demand hours.
• Regional differences in construction, retirements, reliability, costs, and community benefits.

Sources & evidence

• Canary Media review of U.S. power constructionReport published August 21, 2026, drawing on U.S. Energy Information Administration capacity data.

Topics

• Solar Power
• Battery Storage
• Wind Power
• Electric Grid
• Clean Energy Construction