How Much Solar Power is Generated in Texas?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

ERCOT recorded new solar generation records in July 2026, generating over 35,000 MW
Texas solar energy generation capacity is over 39,000 Megawatts (MW), second in the nation to California
ERCOT is forecasting total solar energy capacity of over 91,000 Megawatts (MW) by 2032
Solar was responsible for generating 14% of the ERCOT grid’s power in 2025, up from 0.12% in 2015

How much solar power does Texas generate?

Texas set new solar power generation records in July 2026, with over 35,000 MW produced in a single day on July 30.

This marks a stark increase in power generated from solar panels in the state. In 2022, the record was just over 10,000 MW.

Texas is making notable advances in solar energy production and capacity. This transition underscores the state’s shift towards embracing more renewable energy.

What is Texas’ solar generation capacity?

As of July 2026, ERCOT’s solar generation capacity is just over 39,000 MW.

Texas is rapidly deploying more utility-scale solar to the grid. According to the Energy Information Association reported, Texas’ solar generation capacity was around 16,000 MW in 2023.

Based on this data, that means Texas’ capacity to generate solar power has more than doubled in about 3 years.

In the past decade, Texas has experienced a significant surge in solar energy adoption. The state has witnessed the construction of numerous larger solar farms, resulting in an increased capacity for solar power generation.

ERCOT is forecasting total solar generation capacity to exceed 91,000 MW by 2032.

This remarkable growth not only highlights the state’s commitment to renewable energy but also cements its position as a national leader in solar energy production.

How does Texas solar power compare to other states?

Until very recently, Texas took second place behind California in utility-scale solar power.

However, data from the Energy Information Association shows that in 2025 Texas generated over 58,000 GWh from utility-scale solar compared to California’s over 53,000 GWh.

While Texas now leads the country in terms of utility-scale solar, California still holds first place for maximum capacity when combining utility-scale and small rooftop setup.

Texas is quickly closing the gap and will soon lead even when including rooftop solar data.

How many solar farms are there in Texas?

According to Cleanview’s solar farm tracker, there are 240 solar farms in Texas.

The state has ambitious plans to expand the grid’s solar capacity, so the total number of solar farms is expected to grow rapidly.

What percentage of the Texas grid is solar?

Solar’s contribution to the grid continues to grow each year.

In 2025, solar farms was responsible for generating 14% of electricity on the grid.

This is an increase from 2024 when solar accounted for about 8% of the grid’s power generation, according to the EIA.

During intense heat waves, when the demand for electricity spikes and solar conditions are optimal, the share of solar power can significantly increase. The Texas Tribune reported that in July 2026, solar accounted for more than 45% of all electricity being generated during the hottest daytime hours.

The contribution of solar energy to the Texas power grid varies, reflecting its evolving role in the state’s energy landscape. As a result, the answer to “what percent of texas electricity comes from solar?” isn’t static.

It’s worth pointing out that at night, solar’s contributions drop to 0% because the sun is not shining. And on days without much sun, the panels have decreased energy output as well.

A brief history of solar power in Texas

Early developments

The story of solar power in Texas started with small yet significant steps. Initially, the focus was on individual solar panel installations and research projects aimed at understanding the potential of solar energy in the state’s sunny climate. These early efforts were crucial in setting the foundation for a larger movement towards renewable energy in Texas, highlighting the state’s potential to harness the power of the sun.

Key milestones

Texas has achieved several significant milestones in its journey towards solar energy prominence. These include large-scale investments in solar technology, the establishment of numerous solar farms, and the implementation of supportive legislative policies for renewable energy. Each milestone represents a significant advancement in Texas’s commitment to sustainable energy sources, paving the way for a cleaner, more renewable energy future.

Future possibilities

The future of solar power in Texas is filled with potential. With ongoing advancements in solar technology and increasing societal support for sustainable practices, Texas is poised to significantly expand its solar energy capabilities. The state’s vast open spaces and abundant sunshine provide ideal conditions for large-scale solar projects, which could play a crucial role in meeting both the state’s and the nation’s energy needs in the coming years.

Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley, Growth Product Manager at BKV Energy, leads digital and traditional marketing strategies, focusing on educating Texans about the state's deregulated energy market. With over 10 years of marketing experience, he creates content to help consumers understand and save on their energy bills, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to the industry.