Despite efforts by Donald Trump's administration to support the coal industry and impose tariffs on solar panels, renewable energy, particularly solar power, continues to grow and become more cost-effective. The Eagle Shadow Mountain Solar Farm in Nevada set a new record for the cheapest solar project in the United States, with an operating cost of $23.76 per megawatt-hour under a 25-year power purchase agreement. This price is lower than the cost of building and operating new coal or natural gas plants. The inclusion of battery storage in new solar projects is becoming more common, which is crucial for renewables to fully replace fossil fuels. Solar energy is increasingly competitive due to technology improvements and federal tax credits, and despite tariffs on imported solar panels, the solar industry is thriving, with solar installations comprising a significant portion of new U.S. electricity generating capacity. This trend is essential for the transition away from fossil fuels to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

According to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance report, investment in batteries is forecasted to reach $548 billion by 2050, driven by declining costs and the increasing adoption of clean energy solutions by households and businesses. The demand for electric vehicles is expected to lower lithium-ion battery prices, making them more practical for grid storage. This development will enable more consistent use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, even during times when they are not generating power, contributing to the decline of fossil fuel reliance on the grid. By 2030, battery prices are predicted to drop by 67 percent to $70 per kilowatt-hour, with an anticipated 1,288 gigawatts of new battery capacity to be installed by 2050.

California has mandated that almost all new homes built after January 1, 2020, must include solar panels as part of their energy-efficiency standards, making it the first U.S. state to have such a requirement. This decision is expected to increase the cost of new homes but also to promote energy savings and support the state's goal to reduce carbon emissions. The mandate, which applies to single-family homes and multifamily units up to three stories, is seen as a significant step towards mainstreaming solar energy. While the solar industry may benefit from increased demand, there is concern about the impact on housing affordability in California. The new standards are projected to add about $9,500 to the cost of a new home, which is anticipated to be offset by long-term energy and maintenance savings.