U.S. Solar Installations Decline in 2025 Amid Trump Administration's Clean Energy Attacks

Mar 11, 2026, 2:31 AM

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Solar power installations in the United States saw a significant decline in 2025, dropping by 14% compared to the previous year, as the Trump administration intensified its attacks on renewable energy sources. Though solar energy remained the largest contributor to new electricity generation added to the grid, the reduction signals a troubling trend for the clean energy sector under the current administration.

The Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie, an energy research firm, reported that despite the setback, solar and energy storage continue to represent 79% of all new capacity installed in the US However, the emphasis on fossil fuels in federal energy policy has undoubtedly impacted growth in the solar industry.

Michelle Davis, head of global solar at Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, stated, "The emphasis in federal energy policy that happened throughout 2025 on fossil fuels and a kind of a move away from renewables definitely made an impact on the solar industry, to be sure." She pointed out that the aggressive stance taken by the Trump administration has been detrimental to the progress made in renewable energy.

During the first two weeks of his return to the presidency, Trump reinstated policies favoring fossil fuel extraction. The Department of the Interior suspended clean energy development on federal land, and the administration announced plans to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from federal renewable energy programs, primarily affecting solar and wind power. Trump's Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, has consistently criticized renewable energy, labeling it as inadequate and unreliable while promoting coal and natural gas projects instead.

Moreover, the Trump administration's declaration of an "energy emergency" focused solely on boosting fossil fuels, notably excluding solar and wind technologies from its agenda. Trump has publicly derided solar projects, calling them "ridiculous" and undermining public support for expanding solar energy infrastructure. His administration has also halted federal approvals for onshore and offshore wind projects, exacerbating the challenges faced by the clean energy sector.

Despite these hurdles, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that solar power will still account for over half of new power projects in the country this year, primarily driven by installations in states like Texas, Arizona, and California. The agency anticipates a resurgence in solar capacity, with expectations for a 12% increase in 2026, indicating that the industry may still have potential for recovery despite the current political climate.

Additionally, while solar installations faced a decline, battery storage installations reached their highest annual level, showcasing a growing demand for energy storage solutions as part of the transition to a more resilient energy system. This trend highlights a crucial aspect of the evolving energy landscape, where batteries are becoming vital for balancing the intermittency of solar energy generation.

However, industry experts are warning that without a shift in federal policy towards supporting renewable energy, the US could face rising electricity prices and a less resilient energy system. Darren Van't Hof, interim president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, emphasized the need for a course correction to prevent further damage to the clean energy sector and ensure affordable energy for consumers.

As the clean energy industry grapples with political uncertainty and shifting policies, the future of solar energy in the US remains precarious. The ongoing clash between fossil fuel interests and renewable energy advocates continues to define the landscape, with implications for job creation, energy independence, and climate change mitigation efforts.

In conclusion, while solar energy has maintained its position as a leading source of new power generation, the decline in installations in 2025 reflects broader challenges facing the renewable energy sector amid an aggressive political environment. The outcome of this struggle will significantly impact the US energy landscape and its ability to meet future electricity demands sustainably.

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