Solar and storage to lead record-breaking 86 GW of new U.S. capacity in 2026
From Texas-sized utility projects to skyrocketing residential battery attach rates, 2026 marks the year solar and storage transition from the electric grid’s fastest-growing additions to its foundational pillars.
Supplier attestations alone won’t satisfy FEOC scrutiny
As MACR thresholds rise under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, traceability audits and contract reviews are becoming essential to avoid long-term tax credit recapture exposure.
U.S. solar assets lose average $5,070 per MW from power losses
A new report calculates the average power loss of 373 GW of utility-scale and commercial and industrial solar assets in the U.S. at 5.08%, more than double the level five years ago. The power loss average among projects deploying robotics and automation falls to 3%.
U.S. government sets preliminary countervailing duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia and Laos
The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued preliminary findings that solar manufacturers in India, Indonesia and Laos benefited from government subsidies, paving the way for countervailing duties of up to 143.30%.
First Solar reports 2025 earnings, announces Oxford PV licensing agreement, alleges patent infringement in new ITC action
The company’s stock price fell more than 12% in extended trading following the earnings announcement, partly due to lower-than-expected guidance for 2026 sales and revenue.
Google to deploy world’s largest iron-air battery for Minnesota data center
The 300 MW / 30 GWh multi-day storage system from Form Energy will be paired with 1.6 GW of new renewables to facilitate Google’s 24/7 carbon-free energy goals.
Republicans pushing for clean energy tax credit: “We think [Trump] is getting bad advice”
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is publicly pushing to reinstate wind and solar tax credits eliminated under the OBBB, as Republicans face potential challenges in upcoming midterm elections.
First Solar: Economic powerhouse building momentum
The U.S. solar manufacturer of thin-film solar modules supports nearly 30,000 U.S. jobs, contributed nearly $6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2025 and is forecast to see further gains in the coming year, according to a recent study.
SOLRITE and sonnen launch battery-only Virtual Power Plant in deregulated Texas markets
The company’s battery-backed energy plans offer 12 cents per kWh “all-in” energy costs for a $20 monthly fee to homeowners with or without solar panels in all deregulated Texas markets.
Enphase releases new control software for its IQ8, IQ9 microinverters
The U.S. company said its Power Control software is designed to help installers reduce costs and streamline interconnection. Among its features is the ability to control aggregate system exports through software-based limits.
