Photovoltaic (PV) solar accounted for 58% of all new electricity-generating capacity additions through the third quarter of 2025, remaining the dominant form of new electricity-generating capacity in the US.
To find the best solar panels, we analyzed thousands of models from hundreds of manufacturers featured on the EnergySage Marketplace. We compared key factors like efficiency, power output, performance in warmer temperatures, durability, and warranty coverage.
While the federal government is involved in the siting of natural gas, hydroelectric plants, and certain transmission infrastructure, it has no authority whatsoever over the siting of solar arrays on private land.
This is primarily due to their lower albedo, which leads to increased heat absorption and enhanced thermal convection between the panels and the underlying roof surfaces.