Solar Energy Is Booming — Despite Trump’s Best Efforts

The solar energy sector experienced significant growth in 2017, defying efforts by the Trump administration to curb clean energy development and promote fossil fuels. Despite a stated policy objective to "kill clean energy," the industry saw a record 33% increase in installations, adding 10.6 gigawatts of capacity. This expansion was largely driven by utility-scale solar projects, which accounted for 69% of new installations, with residential solar also seeing a 9% rise. The growth occurred even as the administration imposed tariffs on imported solar panels, a move intended to protect domestic manufacturers but which industry analysts noted increased costs for developers. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported that the industry's growth trajectory indicated its resilience against political headwinds, with projections for continued expansion in the coming years.