Overview
- The U.S. installed 11.4 GWdc of new solar capacity in Q2 2026, with utility-scale projects accounting for about 9.6 GWdc of that total.
- Developers accelerated work to meet a July 2026 safe-harbor test that preserved federal investment tax credits for projects started before the deadline.
- Solar paired with battery storage supplied roughly 70% of all new U.S. power capacity added in the first half of 2026, boosting grid flexibility but increasing interconnection needs.
- Rooftop solar fell to 995 MW in Q2 2026 after the federal 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit expired for systems placed in service after Dec. 31, 2025.
- Analysts forecast about 44 GWdc of annual additions through 2031 but warn permitting delays, interconnection bottlenecks and financing changes will determine how much of the pipeline is actually built.