Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesEnergy

Solar Energy To Generate Most New US Electricity in 2021

In the quest for renewable energy growth and the lessening of our environmental impact, there’s a clear frontrunner looking to set the pace in 2021 – solar. Solar energy is on track to be the most generative energy source for new electricity in 2021, and the US Energy Information Administration announced that utility-scale solar…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Energy teams put it to work with Customer Stories & Case Studies.

Share

In the quest for renewable energy growth and the lessening of our environmental impact, there’s a clear frontrunner looking to set the pace in 2021 – solar.

Solar energy is on track to be the most generative energy source for new electricity in 2021, and the US Energy Information Administration announced that utility-scale solar is expected to set records in 2021 by giving the US grid 15.4 GW of new solar capacity

In 2020, solar expanded almost 12GW, with nearly half of those additions coming only in the last two months of 2020.

If these predictions hold, solar will be adding the most new energy to the grid; 39% of total new U.S. electricity generating capacity, to be exact. The rest of the line-up is 31% for wind, 16% for natural gas, 11% for battery storage and 3% for nuclear.

Texas will be the home of the U.S.’ most expansive solar farm, the Samson Solar Energy Center. Around the world, similar investments are being made in solar energy, exemplified by Morgan Stanley Investment Management and the Investment Fund for Developing Countries giving $38 million to Nigerian solar energy provider Daystar Power for expanded solar farms.

On this MarketScale industry update, hosts Daniel Litwin and Tyler Kern discuss the challenges and promise associated with more solar development, how the energy sector will make it a reality, and more.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale

Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Energy: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Energy buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's expertise into articles, video, and social posts. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Energy Insights

Clean energy investment hits $2.2 trillion in 2026, nearly doubling fossil fuel spending

Clean energy investment hits $2.2 trillion in 2026, nearly doubling fossil fuel spending

Global energy investment is projected to reach $3.4 trillion by 2026, with clean energy spending nearly doubling that of fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency's latest report highlights this trend, showing a significant shift towards sustainable energy sources.

  • 01Clean energy investment will reach $2.2 trillion in 2026.
  • 02Overall energy investment globally is expected to be $3.4 trillion by 2026.
  • 03Investment in clean energy will outpace fossil fuel spending almost two to one.

Jul 17, 2026

Solar hits 8.7% of global power, but fossil fuels still grew faster in 2025

Solar hits 8.7% of global power, but fossil fuels still grew faster in 2025

The Energy Institute's 2026 Statistical Review indicates that while renewable energy sources like solar accounted for 8.7% of global power in 2025, fossil fuel consumption continued to rise due to overall increases in energy demand. The report highlights the challenges in transitioning to renewables given the growing global energy needs.

  • 01Solar energy accounted for 8.7% of global power in 2025.
  • 02Fossil fuel consumption increased despite the growth in renewables.
  • 03Total energy demand grew at a rate faster than the integration of renewables.

Jul 17, 2026

Cornerstone Energy Services' 4th Annual Energy Transition Forum tackles reliability, decarbonization, and New England's grid future

Cornerstone Energy Services' 4th Annual Energy Transition Forum tackles reliability, decarbonization, and New England's grid future

Utility leaders, engineers, and regulators gathered at the 4th Annual Energy Transition Forum hosted by Cornerstone Energy Services to discuss important topics like gas planning and winter reliability. The forum focused on challenges and developments in achieving decarbonization and ensuring grid reliability in New England. Discussions highlighted the strategic directions for the region's energy future amidst the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

  • 01The forum discussed New England's approach to gas planning and winter reliability in light of energy transition challenges.
  • 02Decarbonization and grid reliability were key focuses, emphasizing their importance in future energy planning.
  • 03Stakeholders included utility leaders, engineers, and regulators, addressing strategic energy choices for the region's future.

Jul 16, 2026

Explore More Energy Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Energy.

Browse Energy Hub

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Energy and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512