Large-scale solar projects in the United States are experiencing a notable decrease in commissioning delays, based on the latest data compiled from multiple Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory reports. In the third quarter of 2025, around 20% of planned solar capacity reported a delay, compared to 25% during the same period in 2024.
Strong increase in installed capacity despite deferrals
Solar energy remains the leading source of new electricity generation capacity in the United States, driven by utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects developed by independent power producers and public utilities. In 2024, despite a high level of reported delays, the country recorded a record 31 gigawatts (GW) of new large-scale solar capacity, representing a 34% increase in total national capacity.
According to data collected through the Annual Electric Generator Report (EIA-860) and updated monthly via the Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory, delays are generally short in duration. Less than 1% of planned capacity is fully cancelled each month. Most reported delays concern projects in the final stages of construction or testing.
2025–2026 forecasts and gap between projections and actuals
For the period from October 2025 to September 2026, power plant developers plan to bring 32 GW of solar capacity online, 5 GW of which are projects already delayed from their initially declared timelines. These figures confirm a persistent trend: installed capacity at year-end is often lower than initial projections.
In January 2024, developers anticipated 36 GW of solar capacity additions for the year, but only 31 GW were actually connected to the grid. This discrepancy is mainly due to late-stage scheduling adjustments, which are difficult to anticipate in developers’ initial declarations.
Development stages and delay dynamics
In the monthly data collection, companies are also required to indicate the stage of development: planning, permitting, construction or testing. Delays mainly affect projects in the final phases, confirming that they are typically short-term technical deferrals rather than structural or financial obstacles.
With strong growth momentum and a declining delay rate, the U.S. utility-scale solar sector continues to expand while adjusting its targets to on-the-ground realities. These adjustments remain a key indicator for market participants and investors monitoring alignment between announcements and actual commissioning.
