Solutions for the Top Solar Energy Developers in the US
- Yoann Hispa
- Jul 25
- 6 min read
The solar energy industry in the U.S. has seen tremendous growth and continues to make significant strides. According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are more than 8,100 major solar projects across the country, indicating a growing acceptance of this renewable energy source.
Utility-scale solar developers play a critical role in advancing renewable technology. These solar project developers are responsible for the installation of solar farms, which contribute significantly to the nation's total solar power generation. These large-scale projects not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also create jobs, contributing to economic growth. Furthermore, solar panel shipments in the United States grew by 33 percent in 2020, with 89 percent imported mostly from Southeast Asian factories. This underscores the importance of domestic utility-scale solar developers in reducing dependence on imports and boosting local manufacturing.
In this article, we will discuss some of the top solar energy developers in the US and their contributions to utility-scale solar development nationwide. You'll also learn about challenges that solar developers are facing in 2025 and how they can be addressed through innovative tools such as LandGate.
The State of Solar in 2025
A significant driver of solar farm expansion in the US is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. This has spurred a wave of domestic manufacturing investments, helping to reduce reliance on imported solar components and build a more resilient American supply chain. Projections for 2025 and beyond show solar power consistently breaking records for new capacity additions to the grid.
The One Big Beautiful Bill outlines roughly $9.1 trillion in spending, paired with approximately $4.1 trillion in savings. Of those savings, $570 billion come from the accelerated phase-out of clean energy tax credits. This legislation significantly changes how, where, and whether new solar projects move forward, revising key regulations put in place by the Inflation Reduction Act.
But this isn’t the end of solar- it’s a reshaping of the landscape. With federal tax credits fading, simply having low-regulation environments won’t be enough to make projects economically attractive. Developers are expected to shift toward states offering strong state-level incentives, even if those states have more complex regulations and challenging siting conditions. As a result, more solar projects are likely to appear in states like:
Top Solar Energy Developers in the US
The advancement of renewable energy advancement in the United States is led by utility scale solar companies. These solar power developers and utility solar companies push projects nationwide that help to spur the transition towards renewable energy.
First Solar, Inc.
First Solar Inc. has made significant contributions to utility-scale solar development in the United States. The company's thin-film PV technology produces energy-efficient modules with superior degradation rates, temperature coefficients, spectral and shading responses, making them a key player in the industry. They design and manufacture solar photovoltaic panels, modules, and systems specifically for utility-scale development projects.
The company is committed to sustainability and is aiming to go 100% renewable across its global operations by 2028, which will significantly reduce their carbon footprint. In terms of manufacturing, First Solar has announced plans for its fifth U.S. manufacturing facility, expected to be operational in 2026. This new facility will contribute to the company's existing 14 GW capacity in the U.S.
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
NextEra Energy, one of the top solar developers in the nation, has established itself as a significant contributor to utility-scale solar development in the United States. The company is renowned for its commitment to decarbonizing the power sector by investing heavily in renewable energy sources, particularly wind, solar, and battery technologies. As the largest electric utility in the U.S., NextEra Energy also holds the distinction of being the world's top producer of wind and solar energy.
By the end of 2024, NextEra Energy operated 41,500 MW of renewable and battery storage projects. The company continued to grow its extensive portfolio of wind, solar, and battery storage assets, with plans to add substantially more clean energy capacity by 2027.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy has demonstrated a strong commitment to utility-scale solar development in the United States. The company has made significant strides in renewable energy, particularly solar energy, as an integral part of its electricity supply. Duke Energy's efforts have resulted in customers across their service territories using about 4,000 MW of solar capacity from both large, utility-scale facilities and smaller setups.
The company has successfully completed numerous projects that have increased their total installed solar capacity in the U.S. to 185 MW at 23 utility-scale facilities. One prominent example is the completion of Florida's first solar power plant in Bay County, demonstrating the company's commitment to growing renewable energy in Florida.
Additionally, Duke Energy recently reached a significant milestone, now owning, operating, or purchasing more than 10,000 megawatts of solar and wind energy throughout the country. The company also unveiled Kentucky's largest utility-scale rooftop solar site, a joint partnership with Amazon, further aligning with both companies' renewable energy goals.
Southern Company
Southern Company has made substantial contributions to utility-scale solar development in the United States. As part of their strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they have embraced a diverse energy resource portfolio that includes low and no-emission power sources. Southern Power currently holds over 3,050 MW of solar generating capacity across 30 facilities, either operating or in development, in California, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming. Of these, 26 facilities are co-owned with third parties, with Southern Power maintaining majority ownership.
Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy has been a key contributor to utility-scale solar development in the United States. The company has undertaken several initiatives and collaborations that exhibit their commitment to renewable energy. For instance, in 2021, Dominion Energy announced an innovative collaboration with The Nature Conservancy to develop solar projects within the Cumberland Forest Project, covering nearly 1,700 acres.
Dominion Energy has firmly established itself as a leader in clean energy, particularly in Virginia. The Virginia Clean Economy Act has propelled the company's solar development, leading to the approval and construction of numerous utility-scale projects.
Dominion's innovative collaborations continue to set it apart. Its work to develop solar projects on previously impacted lands, such as former industrial sites or in partnership with conservation groups, showcases a commitment to responsible land use. By 2025, the company has made substantial headway on its goal to reduce carbon emissions, with nearly a dozen new solar projects now operational and feeding clean power to the grid.
Challenges Faced by Utility-Scale Solar Developers
Despite the positive momentum, utility-scale solar developers still navigate a complex set of challenges.
Land Acquisition and Siting: Finding large, suitable tracts of land near transmission infrastructure is increasingly difficult. Developers must contend with competing land uses, local zoning restrictions, and community concerns.
Grid Interconnection: The process of connecting new solar projects to the grid is a major bottleneck. Long wait times and high costs for grid upgrades can delay or even derail otherwise viable projects. The existing grid infrastructure in many areas was not designed to handle the influx of variable renewable energy.
Supply Chain and Labor: While domestic manufacturing is growing, the industry still relies on a global supply chain for certain components, making it vulnerable to geopolitical events and trade disputes. Additionally, a shortage of skilled labor can constrain the pace of development.
Permitting and Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the web of local, state, and federal permits remains a time-consuming and complex process. Regulatory uncertainty or changes in policy can create risks for long-term project financing.
Community Opposition: While support for solar is high overall, local opposition to specific projects can arise. Concerns often relate to visual impacts, land use, and perceived effects on property values.
Innovative Solutions in Addressing These Challenges
Addressing the challenges faced by the top solar developers in the US requires a multi-faceted approach. For land acquisition, developers are exploring agrivoltaics and building projects on brownfields or other underutilized lands. Advanced mapping and data analysis tools are helping developers identify optimal sites more efficiently. To tackle the issue of land acquisition, developers can use tools like those provided by LandGate, which offers comprehensive property data and valuation services. These tools can help developers identify suitable land for solar development, assess its value, and navigate zoning and permitting issues more effectively.
In terms of regulatory hurdles, industry advocacy can play a significant role in shaping favorable policies for renewable energy. Organizations such as the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) actively work to influence policy and regulatory decisions at the state and federal levels.
To mitigate financing and market risks for solar development companies, developers can explore diverse financing options, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), green bonds, and even crowd-sourced funding. Additionally, long-term planning and risk assessment can help developers adapt to changes in government incentives and policies. Similarly, overcoming grid interconnection challenges necessitates close collaboration with solar farm developers and utilities and grid operators. Developers can also leverage advanced technologies, such as smart inverters and energy storage systems, to enhance grid integration.
Regarding community engagement, leading developers now prioritize early and transparent communication. By offering community benefit agreements, supporting local conservation efforts, and designing projects that minimize visual and environmental impacts, companies can build trust and gain local support.
It's clear that while utility-scale solar development faces several challenges, there are also numerous solutions available to solar developers in the USA. The key is to leverage resources, technology, and partnerships effectively to navigate these challenges and drive the growth of solar energy in the U.S.
