New US community solar fell by 36% in first half of 2025 after record year – Wood Mackenzie

NEW YORK, Sept 30 (Reuters) – U.S. community solar installations declined 36% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, following a record-setting 2024, according to a report released on Tuesday by consultancy Wood Mackenzie and the Coalition for Community Solar Access. Nearly 440 megawatts of new community solar capacity was added in the first six months of 2025, down from 683 megawatts in the first half of 2024. More than 1.8 gigawatts of community solar, the highest annual total to date, was added last year. After the rapid growth of solar energy in the U.S. in recent years, the expansion of the zero-emissions electricity source is expected to slow in the coming years as federal incentives fade away. U.S. President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act and related federal policy changes have led Wood Mackenzie to reduce its cumulative five-year community solar outlook by 8% compared with its last forecast. “After a record year, the market is adjusting to new policy dynamics and structural bottlenecks,” said Caitlin Connelly, lead author of the report. “We expect growth to resume as new state programs mature and federal incentives stabilize.” Community solar allows power customers to subscribe to a portion of a shared solar project and receive utility bill credits. It is seen as a key tool for expanding clean energy access to renters and low- to moderate-income communities. (Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Mark Porter)

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