Abstract

The US renewable energy sector is entering a period of heightened uncertainty as federal policy and global trade dynamics reshape the landscape for wind, solar, and battery storage. Recent legislative changes and evolving tariff structures are creating new challenges for project developers and investors, with impacts felt across both utility-scale and residential markets. As incentives shift and supply chains adapt, stakeholders must navigate a complex environment marked by both risk and opportunity. Guidehouse Research anticipates that, after a period of strong growth, annual installations for wind and solar will decline noticeably in the coming years. This briefing explores the interplay of domestic policy, international trade, and market mechanisms that will define the next phase of US clean energy growth, offering insight into the strategic considerations shaping investment and deployment decisions.

What Questions Does This Report Answer?

• What are the short-term and medium-term implications of import tariffs on the US solar and wind industries?
• What are the implications of accelerated expiration dates for key tax credits and incentives on renewable energy development?
• What impact are the recent federal policy changes and tariffs having no the economics and deployment of wind, solar, and battery storage projects in the U.S.?
• What role can state-level policies and programs play in advancing renewable energy, and how are they adapting to changes in federal support?
• What was the general import tariff landscape as of August 2025?

Who Would Benefit from This Report?

• Policymakers and regulators
• Developers and vendors
• Utilities
• Original equipment manufacturers
• Supply-chain managers
• Entrepreneurs/startups
• Renewable energy project developers and investors

Key Market Forecasts in This Report

• Generic US Tariffs on Other Nations, August 2025
• Condensed Timelines for Receiving Federal Incentives to Develop Solar and Wind
• States with 100% Carbon-Free or Renewable Electricity Laws