Today begins National Clean Energy Week, a perfect time to acknowledge the progress made by the solar sector in the U.S. and here in Idaho.
We’ll be the first to acknowledge that our industry is facing challenges, including the upcoming expiration of the residential solar tax credit and recent tariffs raising solar project costs. Additionally, utility changes like Idaho Power’s new net billing policy add complexity for rooftop solar customers in our region.
However, despite these hurdles, developments in solar energy continue to be made, which demonstrates the legitimacy of this technology and the resilience of our industry.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable solar energy wins in our state and across the U.S.
Solar Generation Increasing Rapidly
In 2024 alone, solar energy grew by 27 percent, making it the fastest-growing source of electricity in the country. Solar generation also met more of the rise in electricity demand and fall in coal than gas did. This shift demonstrates a long-term transition toward cleaner power sources that result in lower carbon footprints.
Here in Idaho, we’ve seen massive growth in recent years. For starters, the number of Idaho Power customers who have adopted solar (and provide energy back to the grid) has surpassed 20,000. That’s a huge win for rooftop solar in our state!
Record-Breaking Solar + Battery Storage Capacity Growth
Despite federal policy that threatens to slow the growth of renewables, solar installations continue to break records, with about 36 gigawatts of new solar capacity added across the nation in 2024, representing 81 percent of total power capacity additions that year.
Many in the U.S. are taking advantage of clean energy incentives, with the nation on track to add a record 32.5 GW of solar energy to the grid in 2025. Also impressive: solar and energy storage resources made up 82 percent of new U.S. grid capacity added in the first six months of this year, according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie.
Battery storage capacity, which supports the grid as solar output fluctuates throughout the day, also nearly doubled in 2024. In fact, a majority of new solar projects incorporate batteries. As we’ve seen in Idaho and beyond, these projects increase grid reliability and resilience, and are a major win for homeowners and business owners who choose to adopt this technology.
State-Level Leadership on Clean Energy
With certain federal incentives like the residential solar tax credit and residential energy storage credits set to expire on December 31, 2025, many states are filling the gap by implementing or expanding their own clean energy incentives, net metering policies, and programs to lower energy costs and boost renewable energy deployment. It remains to be seen how Idaho will choose to meet this moment.
Room for Growth in Both Residential and Corporate Locations
Despite some market uncertainty, the residential solar market in the U.S. remains strong, with long-term potential, as fewer than 10 percent of households have chosen to adopt solar. The SEIA expects this segment to grow by an average of 9 percent annually between 2025 and 2030.
Looking forward, analysts also expect commercial rooftop solar adoption to surpass 7 GW nationwide by year’s end. SEIA and Wood Mackenzie predict that “the sector is on track for a record-setting year.”
Solar + Battery Storage Poised to Meet Growing Energy Needs
Due to the planned retirements of coal and natural gas plants over the next few years, replacement power generation will be required. We’re pleased to see that solar paired with battery storage is poised to fill that need. (The recently passed reconciliation bill has generally been seen as supportive of commercial and utility-scale energy storage; these projects will have tax credits available through 2033.)
By integrating battery storage, utility companies are able to store excess solar generation during daytime peaks for use during evening hours when demand is high. This technology is critical for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and achieving a reliable and clean electricity grid.
Looking Ahead
Despite policy shifts, the solar sector in the U.S. and here in Idaho continues to grow. National Clean Energy Week is a time to celebrate our continued successes, from record solar capacity to technological advances in battery storage.
These wins remind us of our commitment to a more resilient future in our state and beyond, despite obstacles we face in the short term.
