KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Trump Administration Wind Order Struck Down: A federal judge has overturned a 2020 Trump administration executive order that froze permits and leasing for wind energy projects, unblocking stalled developments, particularly offshore, following a legal challenge by 17 states and D.C. New Jersey Monitor / Canary Media
Solar Installs Record-Breaking Q3: The U.S. solar industry installed a record 11.7 GW of new capacity in Q3 2025, contributing to over 30 GW this year, though significant policy uncertainty risks future installations. Solar Builder
Georgia Power's Data Center Expansion Scrutinized: Georgia Power's plan to significantly expand energy capacity, primarily driven by data center demand, faces final hearings amid warnings from environmental groups and state regulatory staff that the expansion could lead to higher bills if demand projections prove inaccurate. Georgia Recorder
California Battery Storage Deal: Clearway Energy Group negotiated a 560 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) tolling agreement with California's SDG&E for a Kern County project, with the BESS assets slated for sale to Clearway’s yieldco. Energy Storage News
Texas Solar Projects Get Hail-Resilient Modules: Waaree Solar Americas secured a 288 MW order from Sabanci Renewables for specialized hail-resilient solar modules for two utility-scale projects in Texas, mitigating a major risk factor for solar developments in severe weather regions. PV Magazine USA

Solar & Storage

The U.S. solar market continues its robust growth, with a record-breaking 11.7 GW of new capacity installed in the third quarter of 2025, pushing this year's total past 30 GW. This surge underscores the industry's momentum despite policy uncertainties, with solar and battery storage accounting for 85% of all new grid power added nationwide this year. However, approximately 73 GW of planned installations face risks from permitting hurdles and political roadblocks, prompting industry leaders to advocate for more stable policy environments to sustain this growth, according to Solar Builder.

In project-specific news, California continues to be a hotbed for energy storage. Clearway Energy Group has formalized a significant deal with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) for a 560 MWh battery energy storage system in Kern County. This agreement will see Clearway provide critical energy services from its integrated solar and storage complex. The battery assets themselves are also set to be acquired by Clearway's yieldco, demonstrating a strategic financial move for the developer, as reported by Energy Storage News.

Further south in California, BayWa r.e. has successfully secured $416 million in funding for the Jacumba Valley Ranch Energy Park, a substantial solar and battery storage project located in San Diego County. This facility is projected to supply clean power to approximately 57,000 homes through San Diego Community Power, aligning with local clean energy objectives. Beyond its energy generation, the project emphasizes community advantages, including job creation, local investment, and even the establishment of a new fire station, according to PV Magazine USA.

In Texas, a state frequently impacted by severe weather, Waaree Solar Americas has secured a 288 MW order from Sabanci Renewables for specialized hail-resilient solar modules. These 620W bifacial modules, featuring robust 3.2mm high-resilience front glass, are destined for two utility-scale solar projects. This strategic adoption of durable technology aims to significantly reduce damage from hail, a common cause of losses in solar installations, with module deliveries scheduled for Q3 2026, as detailed by PV Magazine USA.

Moving to the Pacific Northwest, BrightNight is advancing a 200 MW/800 MWh battery storage project in Washington State, dubbed the Greenwater Energy Storage Project. This initiative aims to bolster grid reliability and facilitate the integration of more renewable energy, particularly by alleviating transmission bottlenecks along the critical I-5 corridor. This highlights the increasing reliance on grid-scale battery storage to ensure a stable energy supply as the region decarbonizes, according to Utility Dive.

Connecticut is also seeing innovative, smaller-scale energy solutions. Eaton is developing a 370-kW solar-powered microgrid for the new Manchester Public Library. This project aims to make the library zero net energy (ZNE)-ready by integrating solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging capabilities, thereby reducing energy costs and easing demand on the local grid, reports Solar Power World.

Wind Energy

In a significant legal development for the wind energy sector, a federal judge has struck down a Trump administration executive order from 2020 that had imposed an indefinite freeze on permits and leasing for wind energy projects. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris ruled in favor of 17 states and D.C., determining that federal agencies failed to provide a rational explanation for reversing established wind energy policies, violating the Administrative Procedure Act. This ruling is a major victory for the industry, unblocking numerous stalled wind projects, particularly critical offshore developments along the New Jersey coast, according to reports from New Jersey Monitor and Canary Media.

Policy & Markets

The policy landscape for clean energy in the U.S. remains dynamic. In Georgia, utility giant Georgia Power is advocating for a significant energy capacity expansion, citing escalating demand from the burgeoning data center industry and the expiration of existing energy contracts. However, this proposal is facing scrutiny in final hearings, with environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and staff from the Public Service Commission (PSC) warning that the expansion could burden residents with higher electricity costs if the anticipated data center growth does not materialize. Critics are urging a prioritization of renewable energy and battery storage to avoid commitments to potentially unnecessary natural gas plants, as reported by Georgia Recorder.

In Wisconsin, a Senate committee convened a heated debate over a bill that would enable private companies to construct small-scale community solar projects. Proponents of the legislation argue that it would foster competition, drive down energy costs for consumers, and democratize access to solar power. Utility companies, however, are opposing the measure, contending that it would unfairly shift costs onto non-subscribing ratepayers. The hearing also touched upon a separate legislative concern regarding the ability of local governments to enact "rights of nature" ordinances, which could impact environmental regulations for energy projects, according to the Wisconsin Examiner.

Despite the record solar installations observed in Q3, the broader clean energy industry faces considerable uncertainty. The 11.7 GW of solar capacity added in Q3 2025, contributing to over 30 GW this year, highlights strong growth, notably even in states that supported the current administration. Nevertheless, 73 GW of future installations are considered at risk due to ongoing permitting challenges and political resistance. Industry leaders are actively pushing for policy changes to maintain this growth trajectory, particularly given that solar and storage technologies have comprised 85% of all new grid power additions this year and domestic manufacturing capacity is rapidly expanding, as detailed by Solar Builder.

LOOKING AHEAD

Georgia Power Vote: The critical vote on Georgia Power's energy capacity expansion plan is imminent, with implications for residential electricity bills and the state's future energy mix.
Wisconsin Community Solar Legislation: The Wisconsin Senate committee's debate on community solar projects reflects an ongoing tension between utility interests, energy competition, and consumer choice, with further legislative action expected.
Post-Order Wind Project Momentum: Following the federal judge's decision to overturn the Trump administration's wind energy permit freeze, industry observers will keenly watch for accelerated development and permitting activities for previously stalled wind projects, especially those offshore.

Today's Quick Answers

Q: What was the main impact of the federal judge's ruling on wind energy?

A: The federal judge's ruling overturned the Trump administration's 2020 executive order that froze permits and leasing for wind energy projects, unblocking numerous stalled developments, including offshore wind farms, by deeming the order unlawful.

Q: How much new solar capacity was installed in the U.S. in Q3 2025?

A: The U.S. installed a record 11.7 GW of new solar capacity in Q3 2025, contributing to over 30 GW of new solar capacity added this year.

Q: What is the main concern regarding Georgia Power's proposed energy expansion?

A: Critics, including environmental groups and state regulatory staff, are concerned that Georgia Power's proposed energy capacity expansion, driven by data center demand, could lead to higher electricity bills for residents if the projected data center growth does not materialize as expected.