As we step into March 2025, the U.S. energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with solar energy and battery storage leading the charge. Recent updates underscore their growing dominance: the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that 81% of new U.S. generating capacity additions in 2025 will come from solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This follows a record-breaking 2024, where Texas alone added nearly 9,700 MW of solar and 5 GW of battery storage to its grid, reinforcing its position as a renewable energy powerhouse. California isn’t far behind, boasting over 11 GW of utility-scale storage last year, a critical buffer for grid stability.
The momentum isn’t just in deployment—it’s in innovation and policy too. First Solar recently forecasted higher 2025 sales, buoyed by technological strides and a legal push against competitor JinkoSolar, signaling confidence in the sector’s growth. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Q4 2024 energy storage deployments hit an all-time high, lifting solar stocks like the Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) by 5%, SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) by 9%, and First Solar (FSLR) by 6% in a single day last month. Enphase Energy (ENPH) also made waves, expanding its microinverter-based solar and battery systems into new markets while posting $382.7M in Q4 revenue—a sign of robust demand.
Stock performance reflects this optimism, though not without volatility. First Solar (FSLR) has seen a steady climb in 2025, bolstered by its sales outlook, while Enphase (ENPH) remains a darling for investors despite an 81% drop from its 2022 peak, hinting at a potential rebound as solar-plus-storage gains traction. Tesla (TSLA), with its energy division firing on all cylinders, continues to defy broader market trends. However, uncertainty looms—President Trump’s push to freeze Inflation Reduction Act funds and impose tariffs could rattle supply chains, tempering investor enthusiasm after a cooled 2024.
The takeaway? Solar and battery storage aren’t just the future—they’re the present, reshaping how we power America. For professionals in energy, finance, or sustainability, this is our moment to lean in, whether it’s tracking stocks like FSLR, ENPH, and TSLA or driving innovation on the ground. What’s your take on this renewable revolution?
Dr. Oren Fuerst – Israel Economy Channel
Dr. Oren Fuerst in the panel of Israel Economy Channel – TLV-NY TV show
