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The US added a record 20.2 GWh of battery storage in just 3 months
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The United States set a new quarterly record for battery storage deployment, adding a massive 20.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of new capacity in the second quarter of 2026. This impressive figure was detailed in the latest “US Energy Storage Market Outlook” published by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. The report marks a significant milestone for the nation's clean energy infrastructure and grid reliability.
This record-breaking quarter contributed to a strong first half of 2026, with total installations reaching 30.8 GWh. This represents a robust 23% increase compared to the same period last year. The data underscores a sustained acceleration in the adoption of battery storage technology across the country.
Utility-scale projects were the primary engine behind this surge, accounting for approximately 18 GWh of the quarterly total. This segment was bolstered by seven gigawatt-hour-scale projects commissioned in Arizona, California, and Utah. Arizona alone contributed a record 6.2 GWh, the strongest performance ever by a single state, followed by Texas with 3.8 GWh and California with 3.6 GWh.
The expansion of battery storage is critical for modern grid management. Batteries can store surplus electricity when generation is high and demand is low, then dispatch it during peak periods. This capability is especially vital during extreme weather events, like heatwaves, to meet high evening air-conditioning demand after solar output declines.
Industry leaders highlighted the strategic importance of this growth. SEIA President and CEO Tim Pawlenty stated that storage strengthens energy security, meets rising demand, and helps lower electricity bills. Benchmark Minerals' Shan Tomouk noted that growth is no longer concentrated in just California and Texas, with strong pipelines emerging in states like Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon.
Looking ahead, the report reveals a sharp contrast in the residential market, which saw installations drop 27% year-over-year. This decline is partly linked to the expiration of a federal tax credit. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial storage is poised for growth, driven by data center demand. Benchmark has raised its long-term forecast, projecting US installations will reach about 71 GWh for full-year 2026, a 20% increase over 2025.
