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FERC solar farm
Photo: Vista Sand Solar Farm

Solar and wind accounted for almost 98% of new US electrical generating capacity added in the first two months of 2025, according to new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) data reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign.

In FERC’s latest monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update” report (with data through February 28, 2025), FERC says 39 “units” of solar totaling 1,514 megawatts (MW) were placed into service in February, along with two units of wind (266 MW). They accounted for 95.3% of all new generating capacity added during the month. Natural gas provided the balance (87 MW).

For both January and February, renewables (6,309 MW) were 97.6% of new capacity, while natural gas (147 MW) provided just 2.3%, with another 0.2% coming from oil (11 MW).

Solar dominated February generating capacity

Solar accounted for 81.1% of all new generating capacity placed into service in February. It was 73.3% of new capacity added during the first two months of 2025.

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Recent solar additions include the 237.3 MW Fence Post Solar in Texas, the 150-MW Northern Orchard Solar in California, and the 135-MW Prairie Ronde Solar Project in Louisiana.

Solar has now been the largest source of new generating capacity added each month for 18 consecutive months, since September 2023.

Solar + wind now almost 25% of US utility-scale generating capacity

New wind accounted for most of the balance (14.3%) of capacity additions in February. New wind capacity (1,568 MW) added in January and February combined was 70% more year-over-year (922 MW).

The new wind farms that came online in February were the 140.3-MW Pioneer DJ Wind in Texas and the 126-MW Downeast Wind in Maine.

The installed capacities of solar (10.7%) and wind (11.8%) are now each more than a tenth of the US total. Together, they’re almost one-fourth (22.5%) of the US’s total available installed utility-scale generating capacity.

Further, approximately 30% of US solar capacity is in the form of small-scale (e.g., rooftop) systems that aren’t reflected in FERC’s data. Including that additional solar capacity would bring the share provided by solar and wind to more than 25% of the US total.

With the inclusion of hydropower (7.6%), biomass (1.1%), and geothermal (0.3%), renewables currently claim a 31.5% share of total US utility-scale generating capacity. If small-scale solar capacity is included, renewables are now about one-third of total US generating capacity.

For perspective, a year ago, the mix of utility-scale renewables accounted for 29.3% of total installed generating capacity. Five years ago, it was 22.6%. Ten years ago, it was 16.9% (with more than half provided by hydropower). Thus, over the past decade, renewables’ share of US generating capacity has nearly doubled.

FERC’s 3-year solar + wind addition forecast

FERC reports that net “high probability” additions of solar between March 2025 and February 2028 total 89,497 MW – an amount almost four times the forecast net “high probability” additions for wind (22,890 MW), the second fastest growing resource. FERC also foresees net growth for hydropower (1,323 MW) and geothermal (92 MW) but a decrease of 130 MW in biomass capacity.

The net new “high probability” capacity additions by all renewable energy sources would total 113,672 MW. There is no new nuclear capacity in FERC’s three-year forecast.

Despite Trump’s big fossil fuel push, FERC is projecting that coal and oil will contract by 24,939 MW and 2,104 MW, respectively. Natural gas capacity would expand by 1,583 MW.

Thus, adjusting for the different capacity factors of gas (59.7%), wind (34.3%), and utility-scale solar (23.4%), electricity generated by the projected new solar capacity to be added in the coming three years should be at least 20 times greater than that produced by the new natural gas capacity, while wind’s new electrical output would eclipse gas by eight-fold.

If FERC’s current “high probability” additions materialize, by March 1, 2028, solar will account for nearly one-sixth (16.3%) of US installed utility-scale generating capacity. Wind would provide an additional one-eighth (12.7%) of the total. So each would be greater than coal (12.4%) and substantially more than either nuclear power (7.3%) or hydropower (7.2%).

Assuming current growth rates continue, the installed capacity of utility-scale solar is likely to surpass coal and wind within the next two years, placing solar in second place for installed generating capacity behind natural gas.

Renewables still on track to exceed natural gas in 3 years

The mix of all utility-scale (ie, >1 MW) renewables is now adding about two percentage points annually to its share of generating capacity. At that pace, by March 1, 2028, renewables would account for 37.6% of total available installed utility-scale generating capacity – nipping on the heels of natural gas (40.2%) – with solar and wind constituting more than three-quarters of the installed renewable energy capacity. If those trendlines continue, utility-scale renewable energy capacity should surpass natural gas in 2029 or sooner.

However, if small-scale solar is factored in, within three years, total US solar capacity (small-scale plus utility-scale) could approach 330 GW. In turn, the mix of all renewables would then exceed 40% of total installed capacity while natural gas’s share would drop to about 37%.

Moreover, FERC reports that there may actually be as much as 220,985 MW of net new solar additions in the current three-year pipeline in addition to 67,811 MW of new wind, 9,788 MW of new hydropower, 201 MW of new geothermal, and 39 MW of new biomass. By contrast, net new natural gas capacity potentially in the three-year pipeline totals just 20,856 MW. Consequently, renewables’ share could be even greater by late winter 2028.

“The Trump Administration’s assault on wind and solar has not – at least not yet – had an appreciable impact on the rapid growth of renewable energy generating capacity,” noted the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, Ken Bossong. “Moreover, if FERC’s current projections materialize, the mix of renewables will surpass natural gas capacity before the end of President Trump’s time in the White House.” 

Electrek’s Take

Just three days ago, I reported on nonpartisan policy group E2’s latest Clean Economy Works monthly update, which revealed that nearly $8 billion in clean energy investments and 16 new large-scale factories and other projects were cancelled, closed, or downsized in Q1 2025. (E2’s cleaner net is wider than FERC’s and includes such things as EVs, battery storage, hydrogen, and grid and infrastructure projects.) Clean energy is growing, but Trump’s executive orders have still managed to slow its growth. Natural gas is still in the lead, but coal and oil still can’t touch renewables.

Read more: FERC: Solar + wind set for a strong 3-year run despite Trump’s sabotage

If you find yourself in this situation or even just want to check out other options to make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar – whether you’re a homeowner or renter. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and tell us to share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.”

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Solid-state EV batteries are on the way — Mercedes’ partner plans deliveries by 2025

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2 hours ago

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September 18, 2025

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Solid-state EV batteries are on the way — Mercedes' partner plans deliveries by 2025

Solid-state-EV-batteries-2025

Solid-state EV batteries will be here before you know it, Mercedes-backed Farasis Energy claims. During a recent investor meeting, Farasis said it will begin delivering solid-state EV batteries by the end of 2025.

Farasis Energy will deliver solid-state EV batteries in 2025

The new battery tech, promising to unlock more driving range, faster charging, and longer life-spans, is finally moving from the lab to the real world.

Farasis Energy confirmed during the meeting, held on September 15, that its all-solid-state EV batteries are now entering pilot production and delivery. The company is building a 0.2 GWh pilot line for the new sulfide-based solid-state batteries, with deliveries set to begin by the end of 2025.

In a filing released the following day, viewed by IT Home, the company said it’s fully committed to bringing the new battery tech to market.

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Farasis uses a high-nickel ternary cathode and a high-silicon anode, claiming an energy density of 400 to 500 Wh/kg.

The report said R&D has progressed “smoothly,” and the company plans to begin deliveries by the end of 2025. Initially, they will be delivered in small batches to select customers.

Solid-state-EV-batteries-2025
(Source: Farasis Energy)

Meanwhile, Farasis’ second-gen sulfide-based all-solid-state EV batteries are moving past the tech development phase. The second-gen batteries have an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which would be among the highest in the industry. It’s expected to roll out in 2026.

In 2027, the company plans to launch the third-generation, promising to unlock an energy density of over 500 Wh/kg.

Solid-state-EV-batteries-2025
Mercedes EQS modified with a solid-state battery (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

The report claims that the semi-solid-state batteries only cost 5% to 10% more than liquid batteries, and Farasis expects shipments to ramp up significantly next year.

Just this year, Farasis Energy said it has secured new clients, including XPeng, GAC Group, and “a leading domestic new energy commercial vehicle client” for its core products, SPS (Super Pouch Solution) batteries, and semi-solid state batteries.

Solid-state-EV-batteries-2025
Farasis Energy all-solid-state EV battery (Source: Farasis Energy)

The company plans to expand overseas and into new segments, including humanoid robots. Farasis is already using all-solid-state batteries in humanoid robots and has sent samples to leading humanoid robot companies.

Mercedes-Benz bought a stake in Farasis Energy in 2020 to secure battery supply for its upcoming electric vehicles.

Mercedes-solid-state-EV-batteries
A modified Mercedes EQS with solid-state batteries travels 750 miles (1,205 km) on a single charge (Source: Mercedes-Benz)

The news comes after Mercedes announced just last week that it drove an EQS, equipped with solid-state batteries, from Stuttgart, Germany, to Malmö, Sweden, covering 750 miles (1,205 km). Mercedes said the vehicle still had another 85 miles of range to go. US-based Factorial Energy supplied the battery cells.

Mercedes’ tech boss, Markus Schäfer, called solid-state batteries “a true gamechanger” for electric vehicles. Schäfer added the new battery tech “delivers not only in the lab but also on the road.”

Farasis Energy, Mercedes-Benz, and Factorial Energy are just a few of the companies racing to unlock the “holy grail” of EV batteries. Toyota, Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Honda, to name a few, are aiming to launch solid-state batteries by the end of the decade. BYD and CATL are reportedly aiming for around 2027.

Earlier this week, SK On said it plans to commercialize all-solid-state batteries by 2029, a year ahead of schedule.


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Bluetti power station + alternator charger bundles up to $1,000 off, Heybike Golden Fall e-bike sale offers $600+ savings, more

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September 18, 2025

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Bluetti power station + alternator charger bundles up to ,000 off, Heybike Golden Fall e-bike sale offers 0+ savings, more

We’ve got plenty of Green Deals to help you enjoy far more in fall, headlined by Bluetti’s power station and alternator charger bundles for on-the-go backup support with exclusive pricing starting from $618. There’s also Heybike’s Golden Fall e-bike sale that you can jump on to travel around your town or beyond and enjoy the changing season – with deals starting from $999. We also have tools from EGO and Husqvarna, as well as some travel-friendly devices like portable water heaters, projectors, and ongoing sales waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Jackery 72-hour sale that dropped the Explorer 2000 Plus 400W solar bundle to a new low, Velotric’s Ride into Fall e-bike Sale, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Bluetti’s power station and alternator charger bundles see up to $1,000 in savings with exclusive pricing from $618

As part of its ongoing Anniversary Power Week Sale, which we’ve touched on for the brand’s outdoor adventure solutions and the full lineup of exclusive Apex 300 deals, Bluetti also has a collection of alternator charger bundles with up to $1,000 in savings that are worth considering for our constant on-the-go readers. Leading the lineup, there is Bluetti’s new Apex 300 Portable Power Station bundled with an Alternator Charger 1 at $1,619.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout for an additional $180 in savings, beating out Amazon’s currently $1,799 pricing. This bundle would fetch 2,699 outside of discounts, with a higher $2,799 pricing at Amazon. Since its release at the top of August, this bundle has only been dropped between $2,099 and $1,799 outside of the exclusive savings on the series that is continuing with this sale. You’ll not only be getting $1,080 cut from the tag, but you’ll be getting the all-time lowest price we have tracked to date. Head below for the full lineup of discounted bundles.

Two quick notes on the deals we’re seeing during Bluetti’s Anniversary Power Week Sale. First, the exclusive code is only eligible on Apex 300 offers, with the full lineup of bundle options available in our original coverage here. Second, purchasing any of the alternator charger bundles below scores members 3x Bluetti Bucks, which can be used for various extra savings and other promotions.

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Whether you’re just enjoying weekend getaways from home or committing to your van life, scoring these power stations with an alternator charger ensures continuous power, especially as you migrate to new destinations. With Bluetti’s Apex 300 power station and alternator charger 1 bundle you’ll be getting the brand’s largest starting setup amongst the bunch, with a 2,764.8Wh LiFePO4 capacity (that’s rated for a 17-year lifespan) that you can invest in over time to expand as high as 58kWh, which can seriously cover home backup needs too. The station dishes out a steady 3,840W stream of power through its 13 port options, surging up to 7,680W and will go higher up to 11.52kW with expanded setups.

Aside from the recharging you’ll get from the bundled alternator charger, there are other options to top off the station’s battery for added versatility, including passthrough charging when connected to a gas generator. Plugging it into any standard AC outlet can put it back to 80% capacity in 45 minutes after you’ve activated its Turbo mode, or you can also use your car’s auxiliary port (if you ever forget the alternator charger), as well as utilizing up to the max 2,400W solar input.

Bluetti’s Anniversary Sale alternator charger bundles:

As I mentioned, we also have some spotlight coverage of Bluetti’s current power station deals and solar generator bundles to power your outdoor adventures – some of which are at new lows – starting from $369. We also have the full lineup of exclusive new lows on the Apex 300 station and its many bundle options starting from $1,529.

man and woman on heybike mars 2.0 e-bikes on beach

Heybike kickstarts the season with its Golden Fall Sale and up to $600 e-bike discounts with FREE gear starting from $999

Heybike has launched its Golden Fall Sale through September 28, which is offering up to $600 off e-bikes on top of the free bundled gear some models receive. Of course, the ride with the most options these days is Heybike’s Mars 2.0 Folding e-bike that starts from $999 shipped, with varying upgraded motor and extra battery bundle options, as well as its new Mars 3.0 Folding e-bike that recently hit the scene. The standard model carries a $1,499 MSRP, though with the frequency of sales from the brand, we often see it dropped down between $1,099 and $999, with occasional falls lower to $899 in short-term flash sales. During this seasonal event, you can hop aboard your own with a $500 discount (and that’s not even counting the bundled front and rear cargo baskets) that provides the second-lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more info on this model, as well as its upgrades/bundles, and the rest of the sale’s lineup.

If you want to learn about the varying capabilities of these Mars e-bikes, or check out the full lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

man pressing button to wind EGO's 56V 15-inch cordless POWERLOAD string trimmer

This 56V 15-inch EGO cordless string trimmer comes with a POWERLOAD head for easier line replacement at $254

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 15-inch Cordless POWERLOAD String Trimmer with 4.0Ah battery for $254.15 shipped. This model usually fetches $299 with no discounts and hasn’t been seeing that many over the year either. The ones we have seen have mostly kept costs above $269, with a short-term fall to $239 in June and the deal we’re seeing today. While it’s not the lowest we’ve tracked in its history, you are still looking at the second-best price of the year with the $45 savings that’s been cut from the tag.

If you want to learn more about this string trimmer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

husqvarna 330iKE Combi Switch with edger attachment

Get more versatility with Husqvarna’s 330iKE Combi Switch bundled with a lawn edger attachment at $324

Amazon is offering the Husqvarna 330iKE Combi Switch and Lawn Edger Attachment for $324.52 shipped. It’s coming down from its $419 price tag here, with the discounts we’ve been seeing since March having only dropped costs as low as $336. You’re looking at a 23% markdown here while the savings last that cut $94 off the tag for the best price we have tracked in the last 6 1/2 months.

If you want to learn more about this versatile system, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

two men and woman sit outdoors next to van with camplux nano 3 pro portable water heater and camping shower

Get hot water on demand anywhere with Camplux’s Nano 3 Pro portable heater and shower at $340

Looking in on Camplux’s official Amazon storefront, you’ll currently find the brand’s Nano 3 Pro Portable Water Heater and Camping Shower at $339.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page 15% off coupon, and you’ll also be eligible for a FREE dual-fuel portable stove (which you’ll find under the “Benefit items” option to the left side of the page). Fetching $400 without discounts, we saw savings regularly keeping this model between $360 and $342 for most of 2025, though there were two previous falls to this rate in March and April, as well as a drop to its $320 low during July’s Prime Day event. You can pick it up here with $60 slashed from the tag, landing it at the second-lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this model and its upgraded counterparts.

If you want to learn more about this handy water heating solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman pulling out Anker Nebula capsule 3 projector from backpack pocket

Stream on up to a 120-inch 1080p screen anywhere with Anker’s Nebula Capsule 3 Google TV projector at $380

Through the official Anker Amazon storefront, you can pick up the brand’s Nebula Capsule 3 GTV Outdoor Projector for $379.99 shipped. You’d have to shell out $530 for this model at full price, which has been frequently bouncing between $400 and $380 over 2025, save for the one-time $360 Prime Day low back in July. Aside from that one-off deal, you’ll be getting it here at the next-best price with $150 cut from the tag, making it a great chance to add it to your travel kits, camping gear, and more. There’s also the option to grab the more advanced laser projector variant at $579.98 shipped, down from $750.

If you want to learn more about this projector, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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Panasonic has battery that can give Tesla Model Y 450 miles of range

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3 hours ago

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September 18, 2025

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Panasonic has battery that can give Tesla Model Y 450 miles of range

Panasonic Tesla 4680 battery cells

Panasonic, the Japanese manufacturing giant, says it is working on a new battery cell that can add 90 miles of range to the Tesla Model Y – pushing it to over 450 miles (725 km).

Of course, it could also just use fewer batteries and reduce the weight of the vehicle or other EVs.

Panasonic deserves considerable credit for the electric revolution in the automotive industry this millennium.

When Tesla sought to incorporate Li-ion batteries into electric vehicles, Panasonic was the only battery cell manufacturer to join the effort.

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The partnership helped Panasonic significantly expand its battery business, but Korean and Chinese battery cell manufacturers soon surpassed it.

Now, the company is looking to catch up with a new novel battery chemistry.

Panasonic’s proposed design eliminates the anode during manufacturing. Instead, a lithium metal anode forms naturally inside the cell after the first charge. This approach frees up space for more active cathode materials — nickel, cobalt, and aluminum — increasing capacity without changing the overall cell volume.

The company believes that it will result in a 25% increase in energy density, which could add about 90 miles of range on a Model Y (via Reuters):

If achieved, the improvement would lead to a 25% increase in battery capacity, thus boosting the driving range of Tesla’s most affordable sport-utility vehicle, the Model Y, by almost 90 miles (about 145 km), at current battery pack size, Panasonic said.

Panasonic states that the new battery technology will be available by the end of 2027. It didn’t discuss cost.

Electrek’s Take

I’m always wary of “battery breakthrough” announcements, as they rarely pan out to anything substantial, but if they can deliver a 25% increase in energy density at a reasonable cost with longevity, it could be a winner.

The problem is that new batteries generally fail in one of those aspects.

I hope it’s not the case for this project because competition is good, and I’d like to see Panasonic put some pressure on the Chinese and Korean battery manufacturers.


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