The US Had a Big Battery Boom Last Year
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by msmashFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States achieved a significant milestone in battery storage deployment in 2025, installing a record-breaking 57 gigawatt hours (GWh) of new battery storage across its electric grids. This marked a nearly 30% increase from the previous year, despite the Trump administration's reduction of tax credits for wind and solar energy through the controversial "One Big Beautiful Bill." However, battery tax credits were largely preserved in the legislation, which helped sustain growth in the sector. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported this achievement, also projecting a 21% increase in 2026, with an additional 70 GWh of storage expected to come online.
The majority of the new installations in 2025 were standalone systems, meaning they weren't tied to specific solar projects. This shift highlights the growing importance of energy storage as a standalone resource to support grid reliability and renewable energy integration. Texas emerged as a key player in this trend, with solar meeting more than 15% of the state's electricity demand during peak summer months—a first for the state—and even surpassing coal as a primary energy source. The SEIA report predicts that Texas will overtake California as the leading state in total deployed storage by the end of 2026.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain on the horizon. Supply chain constraints and project cancellations, exacerbated by the bill's policies, could slow down future growth. These issues may impact the pace of expansion, underscoring the delicate balance between policy support and market dynamics in the clean energy transition. The continued focus on battery storage is crucial
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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/25/2026