As solar energy gains momentum across the United States, the landscape of renewable energy is rapidly evolving. Despite significant advancements in solar technology and a decline in associated costs, the future of the solar industry faces challenges due to shifts in federal policy under the Trump administration.
In the past year, renewable sources accounted for over 90% of the new electrical generating capacity in the U.S., with solar energy alone contributing more than 81%. This marks the most substantial increase from any single energy source in the last 20 years, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that current solar installations are capable of powering over 40 million homes nationwide, with utility-scale solar constituting 71% of this capacity. A typical 100 megawatt solar project can power approximately 17,200 average U.S. homes.
“This growth is a testament to the power of American innovation,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. “We’re building factories, hiring American workers and showing that solar energy means made-in-America energy.”
However, Hopper noted that the industry’s expansion could be hindered by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate federal subsidies for solar and other clean energy projects. She warned that this could potentially “risk driving investment overseas, stifling job creation, raising costs on consumers, and handing America’s manufacturing advantage to our competitors.”
Solar technology, which converts sunlight into electricity and heat, has seen a surge in large-scale projects due to decreasing costs. The price of solar panels has dropped by nearly 90% over the past decade, largely driven by Chinese manufacturers.
Globally, solar capacity is expected to double by 2030, led by countries like China and India. Major U.S. corporations such as Amazon, Tesla, and Target are increasingly adopting solar to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions. Amazon, for instance, is engaged in over 600 wind and solar projects nationwide.
Yet, the Trump administration’s policy shifts pose significant hurdles. The administration has rolled back clean energy tax credits, potentially disadvantaging U.S. efforts in the global transition to renewable energy. Orders from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have further complicated the approval process for renewable projects on federal lands.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” Act, enacted in July, promotes oil and gas exploration while curtailing incentives for solar power, including a federal tax credit for rooftop solar installations. This policy change has prompted companies to accelerate project timelines to qualify for existing tax benefits before they expire.
Furthermore, the EPA’s recent cancellation of the $7 billion Solar for All program, intended to extend solar access to low-income households, has sparked legal challenges. Groundswell, a nonprofit affected by this decision, was set to receive $156 million for projects benefiting low-income communities.
Despite these setbacks, environmental advocates maintain that solar energy will continue to play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Globally, there is no going back on this,” asserted Kate Sinding Daly of the Conservation Law Foundation. “Wind and solar are the future of renewable energy.”
Critics of the solar expansion argue that it could lead to higher consumer costs and energy supply issues. Energy policy analyst Lisa Linowes cautioned that net-metering programs, which allow homeowners with solar panels to sell excess power back to the grid, might disproportionately benefit wealthier individuals while raising utility costs for others.
A report by several conservative groups predicted that states pursuing aggressive decarbonization policies could face substantial economic burdens, with increased electricity costs for households and businesses. These groups advocate for a more balanced approach, emphasizing affordable energy sources like natural gas.
As the debate over the future of renewable energy continues, the CNHI and Tahlequah Daily Press’s “Great Green Debate” series explores the complexities of the green energy transition in the United States. The series examines the global shift toward renewables, the technological and economic dynamics involved, and the challenges of land use and energy conservation.
Original Story at www.cnhinews.com