Utility-scale solar developers are increasingly integrating battery storage systems with new photovoltaic capacity. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the share of new solar capacity paired with operable batteries reached over 16% as of September 2026, a significant rise from 2% in 2017.
Projections for the final quarter of 2026 suggest this share could climb to 19%. Looking further ahead, developers have submitted plans for 2027 and 2028 that indicate the portion of solar projects co-located with battery storage will exceed 30%.
Operators utilize these combined systems to manage electricity output based on wholesale price fluctuations. By directing power to the grid or storage, they can optimize the financial value of their generation. This strategy is particularly prevalent in the Southwest region of the United States.
As of September 2026, solar photovoltaic energy accounts for 13% of total utility-scale generating capacity in the US, with 18% of that solar capacity featuring co-located storage. In California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, this share is more than double the national average.
