Utility-scale solar plants (≥1 MW) by year online, from the EIA-860M generator inventory for August 2026. Drag the slider or press Play to watch capacity accumulate; dashed rings are projects planned for future years.
Source: U.S. EIA, Form EIA-860M Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory (August 2026), Operating and Planned sheets; technology = Solar Photovoltaic, plant state = VA. Generators are grouped by plant and online year. Planned stages: under construction = EIA status U, V, TS; approved = T; early stage = L, P (regulatory approval pending or not yet filed). Planned dates are developer estimates and early-stage projects often slip or cancel. 2026 operating figures cover January–August. Excludes rooftop and other small-scale solar. 148 of 149 operating and 39 of 41 planned generator records are in the PJM balancing area; the rest are LG&E/KU or TVA.