In the first half of 2026, eight of the top ten states building the most solar energy projects were those that had previously voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). These states played a major role in the nation’s solar energy boom, which saw more than 11 gigawatts of new solar power added in the second quarter of 2026. This marked a 45 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, with these Trump-voting states contributing nearly three-fourths of that growth. Texas and Florida, two of the largest states by population and strongholds of Trump support, ranked first and third, respectively, in solar construction. Other states like Indiana, Ohio, and Arizona have consistently remained in the top ten since 2024, while Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, and Utah also joined the list in varying years. These states have benefited from a pro-business environment that supports large-scale energy projects, often due to their availability of land and streamlined permitting processes. Republican-led states have seen significant solar development driven by industries that require large amounts of electricity, such as manufacturing and data centers. While these states may not always prioritize solar for climate reasons, the business-friendly policies have attracted investment in solar projects. Tim Pawlenty, CEO of the SEIA and a former Republican governor, noted that the combination of available land and efficient processes has made these states appealing for solar development. However, the future of solar growth in these states faces uncertainty. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 had provided tax credits to both solar developers and homeowners, but these incentives were cut short by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in 2025. Most new solar farms lost their tax credits by July 4, 2026, prompting a surge in construction activity before the deadline. The expiration of these credits has already led to a decline in rooftop solar installations in 2026, according to the SEIA report. While Texas continues to lead in solar development, other states like Michigan are experiencing their own solar booms. Michigan, where a majority of voters supported Trump in 2024, rose from 23rd place in 2024 to fourth in the first half of 2026. However, the state’s solar growth may be more challenging to maintain without federal tax credits, given its less favorable solar conditions compared to Texas. Despite this, state-level clean energy goals, such as requiring utilities to generate 50 percent of their power from renewables by 2030, are helping to sustain demand for solar projects. Experts suggest that even without tax credits, solar development could continue to grow if the federal government simplifies the permitting process and maintains strong electricity demand. Solar projects can be built more quickly than many other forms of energy infrastructure, which makes them a valuable resource for meeting current energy needs. As the solar industry moves forward, factors like speed of deployment and local demand may prove more critical than tax incentives or geographical advantages.