Solar's growth in the US is nearly enough to offset rising energy use, according to recent data. Despite initial concerns, the electricity demand has stabilized, and the growth of solar power has played a significant role in this positive development. In the first quarter of 2025, demand surged by 4.8%, but solar's remarkable 44% growth could only cover a third of the increase. However, six months later, the situation has improved. Total electricity demand is rising at a moderate 2.3%, and solar growth has offset over 80% of the increased demand. This is a significant achievement, considering solar's potential to displace natural gas and reduce coal use. Coal's problems are well-documented, with its harmful environmental impact, and the increase in its use during the first three-quarters of 2025 was only 13%. The use of natural gas has also decreased, but its status as the largest source of generation means small changes have a significant impact. Small-scale solar installations are growing, and when combined with grid-scale production, solar is poised to overtake wind power. This growth is supported by the economics of solar power, and despite the Trump administration's hostility, there are no signs of this affecting the grid. The US has reached a grid that is 40% emissions-free over the first nine months of 2025, and solar's growth has led to overproduction in spring and autumn, driving battery construction. This combination of solar and batteries has the potential to completely offset natural gas usage, as evidenced by data from May and June 2025. While not every state has the same solar resources as California, the positive trend is likely to continue, and the US may soon see a significant reduction in emissions.
