Story perspectives

Solar Power Surges, Outpaces Coal and Nuclear in 2025

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show solar power and battery storage driving energy growth in 2025’s first nine months.
Solar generation rose 36.1% in September, contributing 9.7% of electricity.
Combined with small-scale solar, total renewable output reached 25.6%, surpassing coal and nuclear.
Fossil fuels and nuclear showed minimal growth, while coal capacity declined by 3,926.1 MW.
The EIA projects continued renewables growth, predicting a 67,806.1 MW increase next year.

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Story summary

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show solar power and battery storage driving energy growth in 2025’s first nine months.
Solar generation rose 36.1% in September, contributing 9.7% of electricity.
Combined with small-scale solar, total renewable output reached 25.6%, surpassing coal and nuclear.
Fossil fuels and nuclear showed minimal growth, while coal capacity declined by 3,926.1 MW.
The EIA projects continued renewables growth, predicting a 67,806.1 MW increase next year.