The growth of clean energy in the United States is hitting its slowest pace in over a decade, yet expansion continues across a broader array of states, according to data compiled by energy platform Cleanview, as reported by Reuters.
Capacity growth moderates sharply
Mid-2025 data shows that combined solar, wind, and battery storage capacity increased by 7% year-over-year, marking the weakest annual gain in more than ten years. This slowdown comes amid significant reductions in federal clean energy support under the current administration.
Solar and wind lag behind, batteries surge
Solar additions, once the industry’s fastest-growing segment, rose by just 10%, a steep decline from its average 27% annual growth since 2020. Wind recorded a mere 1.8% expansion, representing the slowest growth since 2010, largely due to cost pressures and limited new project sites.
By contrast, battery storage systems remain the sector’s standout performer, with 22% growth, driven partly by continued federal support. This surge in storage capacity is helping balance intermittent renewable output, particularly in states like Nevada, Idaho, and Massachusetts, where storage projects are gaining momentum.
Geographical growth spreads beyond traditional leaders
While Texas retained its role as the leading clean energy state, solar and wind growth in both Texas and California, which together make up more than one-third of the country’s clean energy capacity, fell below the national average.
However, not all states mirrored this trend. Arizona, Indiana, and Ohio all reported capacity gains exceeding the national rate, indicating that clean energy deployment is spreading more widely, even as overall expansion slows.
Total capacity reaches 325,700 megawatts
By mid-2025, the combined clean energy capacity across solar, wind, and battery systems reached 325,700 MW. Though slower growth raises concerns, the substantial level of installed capacity underscores the sector’s continuing shift toward cleaner power.
Batteries may carry the next wave
Industry observers suggest that battery storage could sustain clean energy momentum moving forward. As solar and wind face headwinds, the ability to store and dispatch clean energy will be critical, especially amid growing demand for reliable, around-the-clock power solutions.