Wedoany.com Report-Dec.14, The United States installed 11 gigawatts of new solar capacity during the third quarter of 2025, according to a joint report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie. This marks the third-highest quarterly addition on record and brings total installations for the year to date beyond 30 gigawatts.

Notably, 73 percent of the capacity added in 2025 has been developed in states that supported President Donald Trump in recent elections, including eight of the top ten states for new solar deployments. Texas, Florida, and California continue to lead the rankings, driven by strong residential, commercial, and utility-scale growth.

The report highlights ongoing challenges from federal policies that have introduced uncertainty for large-scale solar and energy storage initiatives. Despite these hurdles, projections for cumulative deployments through 2030 remain stable at around 250 gigawatts.

SEIA president and chief executive Abigail Ross Hopper stated: "This record-setting quarter for solar deployment shows that the market is continuing to turn to solar to meet rising demand."

She emphasized the need for policy stability, adding that without adjustments, the expansion of clean, affordable, and reliable solar and storage resources could face prolonged uncertainty.

On the manufacturing front, two new solar module factories in Louisiana and South Carolina, with a combined capacity of 4.7 gigawatts, have elevated total U.S. module production additions this year to 17.7 gigawatts. Additionally, the opening of a new wafer production facility in Michigan completes the domestic capability to manufacture all key components of the solar supply chain, from polysilicon to finished panels.

Michelle Davis, head of solar research at Wood Mackenzie and lead author of the report, said: "We expect 250 gigawatts of solar to be installed from 2025 – 2030."

This outlook underscores the sector's resilience amid evolving market dynamics and supply chain localization efforts. SEIA's analysis from last month revealed that over 73 gigawatts of proposed solar projects currently hold pending permits, which could be affected by regulatory delays or other factors.

The third-quarter surge reflects broader trends in renewable energy adoption, fueled by declining costs, technological improvements, and increasing electricity needs from data centers and electrification initiatives. Utility-scale projects accounted for the majority of additions, while residential installations grew steadily in high-sunshine regions.

As the U.S. solar industry matures, emphasis on domestic production aims to enhance energy security and create jobs. The report projects continued momentum, with annual installations potentially exceeding 40 gigawatts in coming years if supportive frameworks are maintained. Overall, these developments position solar as a cornerstone of the nation's energy transition, balancing economic growth with environmental goals.