Solar Power Soars 35% in US, Surpasses Hydro Grid Generation
New data shows US electricity generation in 2025, with solar production jumping 35% and overtaking hydroelectric power for the first time on the national grid.
Solar power in the United States continued its remarkable growth in 2025, generating 35% more electricity than the previous year and surpassing hydroelectric as the country's second-largest source of renewable energy on the grid.
According to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration, overall electricity demand in the US rose by 2.8% in 2025, or about 121 terawatt-hours. This reverses a trend of largely flat consumption over the past several decades, driven by factors like energy efficiency gains and the decline of energy-intensive industries.
While the increase in electricity use is concerning, the EIA report noted that it does not necessarily signal a permanent shift, as demand can fluctuate year-to-year based on factors like heating and cooling needs and economic activity.
Nonetheless, the growth in electricity demand is expected to continue in the coming years as the country transitions to electrified transportation and heat pump technology, which will increase the load on the nation's power grid even as these changes improve energy efficiency overall.
Source: Ars Technica
