US battery storage hits new quarterly record, driven by utility-scale projects
US energy storage set another quarterly record, powered largely by seven new gigascale battery installations exceeding one gigawatt-hour each, according to a report from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and the Solar Energy Industries Association. Behind-the-meter batteries also grew, with data centers accounting for roughly three-quarters of new commercial installations, even as residential battery installations are projected to fall 16% in 2026 after a supporting tax credit expired in 2025.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The surge shows utility-scale and commercial battery storage remain resilient even as policy shifts hit the residential market, signaling where near-term growth will concentrate. It also highlights the sector's continued reliance on Chinese-made battery cells, a dependency that tariffs and reshoring efforts could soon reshape.
- Seven gigascale battery projects drove a record quarter for US energy storage.
- Data centers are fueling most new commercial behind-the-meter battery growth.
- Residential battery installs are set to drop 16% in 2026 after a tax credit expired.
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Published there as: “Batteries just broke another record in the US”
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