U.S. Renewables Hit 30% of Power Supply as Utility Solar Tops Wind

Overview

• EIA data through April 30, 2026 show renewable sources supplied 30.0% of U.S. electricity and renewable generation rose about 10% year‑over‑year.
• Utility‑scale solar has for the first time edged past wind in reported summer capacity at roughly 160.2 GW versus 160.1 GW.
• Between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026 nearly 40 GW of renewable capacity was added, led by utility‑scale solar (+27.6 GW), small‑scale solar (+6.5 GW), and wind (+6.0 GW).
• The EIA projects more than 78.5 GW of new utility‑scale solar, wind and battery capacity by April 30, 2027 and foresees battery storage rising sharply by about 22.8 GW.
• A SUN DAY Campaign scenario shows renewables could top natural gas capacity early in 2027 if distributed solar adds roughly another 6 GW, but that outcome depends on future small‑scale growth and project completion.