A report from the Solar Energy Industries Association found that states supporting Donald Trump in the last presidential election accounted for eight of the top 10 solar-building states during the first half of the year. Collectively, Trump-voting states represented close to three-fourths of the nation’s solar growth, with the country adding more than 11 gigawatts of solar power in the second quarter of 2026, a 45 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Texas and Florida, the two most populous Trump-supporting states, ranked first and third respectively in solar construction. Other consistent leaders included Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, and Utah. Industry observers noted that Republican-leaning states have fostered solar development through pro-business attitudes, more available land, and streamlined permitting processes for energy projects. Additionally, growing electricity-consuming industries such as manufacturing and data centers have established operations in these states, creating demand for quick-deploying energy sources like solar.
However, the sector faces headwinds going forward. Congress ended federal tax credits for most solar farms on July 4, 2026, after passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The expiration prompted developers to accelerate construction before the deadline, contributing to the surge in installations during the second quarter. Rooftop solar projects have already begun declining in 2026 as a result of the credit elimination.
The impact of losing tax credits varies by state. Texas has maintained its dominance as the leading solar builder, while Michigan, which ranked 23rd in 2024, climbed to fourth place in the first half of 2026. Experts noted that states with superior solar resources face less economic pressure from the credit loss, while others may depend on state-level clean energy mandates and electricity demand to sustain growth. Industry representatives suggested that even without federal tax credits, faster deployment timelines compared to other power generation technologies could support continued solar expansion.
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