As environmental pressure increases, countries are racing to hit their clean energy goals. Solar energy projects are front and center tackling the energy and emissions issue. From California to New England, construction of solar energy is picking up speed, showing promise for hitting sustainability goals. In this article, we cover the largest solar energy projects currently under construction from the US all the way to China.

4 major solar energy projects currently under construction in the US

1. Three Rivers Maine Solar Energy Project

Image courtesy of https://swiftcurrentenergy.com/

• Location: Hancock County, Maine
• Size: 100 MWac, spanning approximately 700 acres
• Expected timeline: Commissioning anticipated by September 2025

The Three Rivers Solar Project is giving Maine’s renewable energy scene a serious boost. Developed by Swift Current Energy, this 100 MWac utility-scale project will be one of the largest solar builds in the state once it’s up and running. It’s tucked into Hancock County and set to power around 15,000 homes with clean, reliable energy, playing a big part in helping Maine hit its climate goals.

The site spans about 700 acres and will hold roughly 400,000 solar panels. It’s land that had been cleared for blueberry farming but never used, making it a smart choice for low-impact development. Plus, there’s already transmission infrastructure nearby, making plugging into the grid (specifically ISO New England) much easier.

What’s also impressive is the project’s focus on the environment. The design includes wildlife corridors and protected natural areas to help preserve local ecosystems. It’s a great example of how utility-scale solar can grow in forward-thinking and ecologically responsible ways.

2. Sunfish Solar 2 (Michigan)

Image courtesy of https://www.bechtel.com/

• Location: Calhoun County, Michigan
• Size: 360 MW utility-scale solar
• Expected timeline: Under construction in 2025; completion expected mid-2026

Michigan’s clean energy scene is heating up with the Sunfish Solar 2 project, one of the largest solar installations in the state. Construction kicked off in early 2025, with crews working across hundreds of acres in Calhoun County. When complete, the 360 MW array will power tens of thousands of homes and support Michigan’s transition away from fossil fuels.

The project is a major investment from Consumers Energy and Hecate Energy and represents a strong push into utility-scale solar for the region. With plans to tie into the local grid and enhance resiliency, Sunfish Solar 2 shows how Midwestern states are stepping into the renewable spotlight with serious infrastructure and scale.

3. Sycamore Creek Solar Project (Ohio)

Image courtesy of https://geronimopower.com/

• Location: Crawford County, Ohio
• Size: 117 MW
• Expected timeline: Construction began Q1 2025; completion expected by early 2026
• Developer: Geronimo Power

Ohio is making quiet but powerful progress in solar development, and Geronimo Power is leading the charge. This 117 MW project broke ground in January 2025 and is expected to bring clean energy to thousands of homes and businesses across Crawford County.

What sets Sycamore Creek apart is its community-first approach. Geronimo Power is working closely with local leaders to ensure that the economic benefits, including jobs, lease payments, and tax revenue, flow directly to the region. It’s a model of how renewable energy projects can support both climate goals and rural economies.

4. Kelso 1 & 2 Solar Projects (Missouri)

Image courtesy of https://www.krcu.org/

• Location: Scott County, Missouri
• Size: 430 MW DC (combined)
• Expected timeline: Construction started May 2025; phase 1 operational by late 2025

Down in the Midwest, the Kelso 1 and 2 Solar Projects are making big moves. Together with Arevon Energy, they’ll deliver 430 MW of clean energy; enough to power over 80,000 homes. Ground was broken in spring 2025, and the first phase is set to come online before the end of the year.

These builds are part of a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, and reflect the growing role of private tech giants in scaling solar infrastructure. With high-efficiency panels and a robust grid connection, the Kelso projects are putting southeast Missouri on the renewable energy map.

Are solar energy project projections growing in 2025?

The solar industry is on a serious roll in 2025. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar made up 66% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in 2024, two record-breaking years in a row. Behind the boom lies a mix of strong federal tax credits, state-level support, and a wave of corporate investment in renewables.

In the Northeast, states like Massachusetts and Vermont lead the way in per-capita solar. Massachusetts is still going strong with its SMART Program, which rewards solar development. And Vermont’s community solar efforts are making clean energy more accessible to more people. Out west, the Southwest continues to dominate large-scale solar farms, which is no surprise given the wide-open spaces and endless sunshine.

Despite economic ups and downs, the outlook for solar remains strong. Experts expect construction to continue climbing through the end of 2025. Whether powering homes, businesses, or entire communities, solar is one of the most reliable players in America’s push for a clean energy future.

What to expect next in solar energy construction

The solar energy space is gearing up for some big moves in 2025, with a mix of massive new builds and cutting-edge tech leading the charge.

What’s on the horizon?

• Texas Solar-Plus-Storage Facility: Enfinity Global is set to break ground on a 425 MW battery energy storage project in Texas, a major addition to the state’s growing renewable energy network. It’s another sign that solar and storage are becoming an inseparable pair.
• Agrivoltaics in Colorado: Colorado continues to set the pace on agrivoltaics, where solar panels and agriculture share the same space. It’s a smart way to maximize land use, generating clean energy while growing food or supporting grazing.

From coast to coast, these kinds of projects redefine what solar energy can do and prove that the future of energy isn’t just green; it’s adaptable, too.

Emerging trends in solar energy

Here are a few trends that are shaping the way solar looks (and works) in 2025 and beyond:

• Agrivoltaics and dual-use solar: More projects are blending farming with solar power, and it’s a win-win. Known as agrivoltaics, this setup lets land pull double duty, producing food and energy at the same time. It’s a smart solution for rural areas looking to boost clean energy without giving up valuable farmland.
• AI-powered maintenance and grid support: Artificial Intelligence is making solar systems more efficient. Think predictive maintenance that catches problems before they become costly and tools that help balance energy supply with demand. Additionally, AI can optimize grid operations for better integration of solar energy into the power supply.
• Vertical solar for cities: In urban areas where space is tight, vertical solar panels are going up. Mounted on walls and facades, these sleek systems turn buildings into mini power plants without needing rooftop space.
• Long-duration battery storage: New battery tech is helping solar stay useful even after the sun sets. These long-duration storage systems capture extra energy during the day and release it when demand spikes, making solar power more reliable around the clock.

Solar is evolving fast as governments raise the bar on renewable energy targets and funding continues to flow into clean tech. What’s coming next will change not just how we build but also how we live with energy.

Bottom line

Solar is having a moment, and 2025 is proving to be a turning point. With momentum from state incentives, federal funding, and major private investment, solar construction is getting smarter, faster, and more impactful. The future of energy is already underway, from better tech and creative land use to infrastructure that can stand up to whatever the grid throws at it.

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