Turns out, America's solar energy revolution isn't just happening in the usual blue strongholds. A new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reveals that a surprising majority of new solar power is being built in states that voted for Donald Trump in the last presidential election.
Specifically, eight out of the top ten states for solar construction in the first half of this year were red states. As Tim Pawlenty, CEO of SEIA and a former Republican governor, dryly observed, Republican-led states are "embracing solar energy as a technology." Because, apparently, energy is energy.
The Sun Also Rises in Texas (and Florida)
The country collectively added over 11 gigawatts of solar power in Q2 2026 – a 45% jump from the previous year. Nearly three-quarters of that impressive growth came from Trump-supporting states. Texas and Florida, unsurprisingly, led the pack, ranking first and third respectively. Indiana, Ohio, and Arizona have also been consistent players in the top ten since 2024, with Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, and Utah making appearances.
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Start Your News DetoxWhy the sudden love for solar in these parts? It's less about political ideology and more about good old-fashioned economics. These states often boast pro-business climates, plenty of available land, and fewer regulatory hurdles for energy projects. This environment is a magnet for power-hungry industries like manufacturing and data centers, which, in turn, demand fast, cheap energy. And right now, that often means solar.
Pawlenty summed it up: "Red states, as a general proposition, have sort of a pro-build mentality."
The Post-Tax Credit Horizon
Now, here's where things get interesting. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 gave solar projects a nice boost with tax credits. But Congress, in its infinite wisdom, ended those credits early last year with the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Most credits for new solar farms expired on July 4, 2026, leading to a frantic rush to build before the deadline. This created a temporary surge in installations.
Without those federal carrots, future growth might slow, especially for rooftop solar, which has already seen a decline in 2026. However, some states are better positioned than others. Texas, for instance, has been a solar powerhouse since 2024 and continues to lead, thanks in part to its abundant sunshine. Michigan, on the other hand, just cracked the top ten this year, soaring from 23rd place in 2024 to fourth.
Michigan's case is particularly intriguing. Despite voting for Trump in 2024, it has a Democratic governor and state senate. Plus, a state law mandates that utilities get 50% of their power from renewables by 2030. That, combined with data center demand, is likely fueling its solar sprint, even without Texas's year-round rays. As Michael Craig, a professor at the University of Michigan, put it, "The economics of solar largely depends on your solar resource."
Ultimately, experts suggest the solar industry might need streamlined federal permitting and sustained energy demand more than tax credits to keep its momentum. Solar and storage projects, after all, can be deployed far faster than traditional power sources. As Rachel Skaar from SEIA pointed out, "When we talk about the need for energy right now, solar and storage can provide it." Because who wants to wait for power?
