The clean energy sector, particularly solar power and battery storage, is witnessing a significant boom despite the turbulent policy landscape shaped by the Trump administration.As demand for electricity surges, especially from data centers, the resilience of these technologies is becoming increasingly evident, even amid regulatory challenges and shifting political priorities.In 2025, the clean energy industry faced a roller coaster of challenges, primarily due to the Trump administration's efforts to promote fossil fuels while imposing restrictions on renewable energy sources.Many energy developers and experts described the year as turbulent, yet they noted that progress was made as projects connected to the electric grid.
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fortune.comusnews.comSolar and battery storage accounted for a staggering 85% of the new power added to the grid in the first nine months of the Trump administration, according to research from Wood Mackenzie.
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fortune.comThis growth is attributed to strong economic fundamentals, high demand, and the rapid deployment capabilities of these technologies.
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usnews.comDespite the administration's critical stance on renewable energy, with Trump labeling wind and solar as "the scam of the century," the industry has shown remarkable resilience.Solar energy company Sol Systems reported a record year, successfully bringing its largest utility-scale project online.
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fortune.comSimilarly, CMBlu Energy highlighted that energy storage has transitioned from being optional to essential, underscoring the growing recognition of its importance in the energy mix.
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usnews.comThe passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act (OBBBA) in July 2025 introduced significant changes to the renewable energy landscape, including the elimination of many federal subsidies that had previously supported solar and wind projects.
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renewafi.comWhile the bill posed challenges, it also preserved tax credits for battery storage, clean hydrogen, geothermal plants, and nuclear reactors, which are set to last until 2036.
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renewafi.comThe urgency to meet construction deadlines for tax credit eligibility has led to a rush among developers to initiate projects before the new regulations take effect.This has created a competitive environment where companies are eager to lock in lower prices for power purchase agreements (PPAs) before a potential decline in new projects.
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renewafi.comExperts predict that the demand for solar and battery storage will continue to grow in 2026, driven by the need for affordable and reliable electricity.Amanda Levin, policy analysis director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasized that the market will ensure that most new electricity is renewable, reflecting a broader trend toward clean energy adoption.
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usnews.comThe demand for electricity is not only being fueled by residential and commercial needs but is also significantly influenced by the rapid expansion of data centers.As these facilities require substantial power to operate, the clean energy sector is positioned to play a crucial role in meeting this demand.
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fortune.comMoreover, the political landscape surrounding clean energy is evolving.Former Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu noted that an energy strategy with a diverse mix of sources is essential for addressing the growing demand for electricity.She argued that promoting or punishing specific energy technologies based on ideological grounds is unsustainable.
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usnews.comAs the clean energy industry navigates the complexities of policy changes and market dynamics, the fundamentals remain strong.Ed Gunn, vice president for revenue at Lunar Energy, stated, "The fundamentals are unchanged; there is massive value in clean energy." This sentiment reflects a broader confidence in the sector's ability to adapt and thrive despite external pressures.
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usnews.comIn conclusion, while the Trump administration's policies have introduced significant uncertainty and challenges for the clean energy sector, solar power and battery storage are proving to be resilient and essential components of the US energy landscape.As demand continues to rise, the industry is poised for further growth, driven by innovation and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in an increasingly electrified world.
