Core Insights - The U.S. power grid is experiencing a significant transformation, with solar energy leading the way, as developers are expected to add 86 gigawatts of new utility-scale generating capacity by 2026, with only 7% coming from natural gas [1][2] - First Solar's stock has more than doubled since last April, while Enphase's stock has increased by 78% since November, indicating strong market performance for solar-related companies [1][4] Industry Trends - Utility-scale solar will represent 51% of the new capacity additions, with batteries contributing 28% and wind 14%, highlighting the growing dominance of solar in the energy mix [2] - The shift towards solar and battery projects is driven by the need for speed and cost-effectiveness, as traditional energy sources like gas turbines and nuclear plants face delays [3][4] Demand Drivers - The rising electricity demand, fueled by the expansion of data centers and AI infrastructure, is pushing utilities to adopt renewables more rapidly than traditional energy sources [4][5] - The phaseout of federal tax credits has prompted a rush among developers to initiate projects, aiming to secure incentives before they expire, thus accelerating the deployment of renewable energy [5][6] Market Outlook - The increasing dominance of renewables in new capacity additions, coupled with rising electricity demand, suggests a structural tailwind for solar and energy storage stocks in the coming years [6]

America's power grid is undergoing a dramatic shift — and solar is leading the charge. U.S. developers will add 86 gigawatts of new utility-scale generating capacity in 2026. What makes it interesting is that just 7% of that will come from natural gas. First Solar shares have more than doubled in price since hitting multi-year lows last April amid a wider stock-market sell-off triggered by President Donald Trump‘s tariff announcements. The Enphase stock has rallied 78% from the lows reached in November.Util ...