Each week, we highlight key renewable energy developments to help homes and businesses better understand how electricity systems are evolving. Rather than focusing on isolated announcements, we look at broader trends shaping power generation, system reliability, and long-term energy planning.
This week’s insights explore how large scale solar deployment is expanding in the United States, how renewables are supplying a growing share of electricity generation, and how Canada is planning for continued growth in renewable energy and energy storage capacity.
1. Large Scale Solar Capacity Expands in Michigan
Consumers Energy has begun operations at its largest solar facility to date in Michigan, bringing 250 MW of new utility-scale solar capacity online. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power tens of thousands of homes and represents a major addition to renewable generation in the Midwest.
Large solar installations like this illustrate how utilities are increasingly integrating renewable energy directly into their generation portfolios. Beyond emissions reduction, projects of this scale help diversify energy supply, support local economic activity, and reduce exposure to fuel price volatility.
As more large solar arrays are deployed across the U.S., utility scale solar is becoming a central pillar of new electricity capacity, particularly when paired with grid planning strategies that account for variability and peak demand.
2. Renewables Deliver a Growing Share of U.S. Electricity
New analysis based on U.S. Energy Information Administration data shows that renewable energy sources supplied approximately 26% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2025, with solar accounting for a rapidly increasing share. At the same time, projections indicate that all net new generating capacity added in 2026 may come from renewables and battery storage.
This trend reflects both the maturity of renewable technologies and the changing needs of power systems. Solar and wind capacity additions continue to outpace fossil fuel generation, while energy storage is increasingly deployed alongside renewables to support flexibility, peak demand management, and grid stability.
Together, these developments indicate that renewables are no longer supplementary resources — they are becoming the primary drivers of new power generation and capacity growth in the United States.
3. Canada’s Energy Outlook Points to Renewables and Storage Growth
Looking ahead, Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook highlights strong expected growth in wind, solar, and energy storage deployment over the next decade. Rising electricity demand, electrification of transportation and buildings, and the need for flexible power systems are key drivers behind this expansion.
Energy storage is expected to play a critical role in balancing renewable generation and supporting grid reliability. Rather than focusing on generation alone, future energy planning in Canada emphasizes integrated systems that combine renewables with storage, smart controls, and improved energy management.
This outlook underscores how long-term planning is aligning with current deployment trends, positioning renewables and storage as foundational components of Canada’s evolving electricity system.
Looking Ahead
Across North America, the direction of electricity systems is becoming increasingly clear. Renewable energy is expanding through large scale deployment today, contributing a growing share of electricity generation, and shaping long-term capacity planning for the future. Energy storage is emerging as a key enabler, helping ensure flexibility and reliability as clean power continues to scale.
Understanding these trends helps homes and businesses better prepare for an energy landscape that is steadily transitioning toward cleaner, more resilient systems.
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References
- Big Rapids News — Consumers Energy launches Michigan’s largest solar array
https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/consumers-energy-muskegon-solar-21279112.php - SUN DAY Campaign — Renewables provided ~26% of U.S. electricity in 2025; all net new generating capacity may come from renewables and battery storage
https://globalrenewablenews.com/article/energy/category/climate-change/82/1178071/in-2025-ytd-renewables-provided-26-of-u-s-electricity-9-from-solar-alone-in-2026-all-net-new-generating-capacity-may-come-from-renewables-and-battery-storage-.html - Canadian Renewable Energy Association — Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook (Executive Summary) https://renewablesassociation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CanadianREmarketoutlook2025-ExecutiveSummary.pdf
