The US solar industry reached a major milestone in Q2 2026, with enough installed capacity to generate electricity equivalent to the usage of more than 50 million homes—over a third of all US households. This growth is being driven disproportionately by states that voted for Trump in the last election.
According to Grist, more than 70% of new solar capacity is being built in these red states. Both sources agree that Republican-leaning states are leading the buildout, even as Grist points out that Republican policies often complicate solar's future, creating a paradox.
Electrek emphasizes the milestone itself, while Grist focuses on the political tension. The two reports together show a clear trend: the solar boom is happening where political support is weakest, driven by economics and local demand.