According to the International Solar Energy Society, solar power is on track to generate more electricity than all the world's nuclear power plants in 2026, than its wind turbines in 2027, than its dams in 2028, its gas-fired power plants in 2030 and its coal-fired. According to the International Solar Energy Society, solar power is on track to generate more electricity than all the world's nuclear power plants in 2026, than its wind turbines in 2027, than its dams in 2028, its gas-fired power plants in 2030 and its coal-fired. Electricity generation by the U. electric power sector totaled about 4,260 billion kilowatthours (BkWh) in 2025. In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), we expect U. 6% in 2027, when it reaches an annual total of 4,423 BkWh. That break-even point—your solar payback period—tells you exactly when your system stops costing you money and starts making you money. As costs decrease and efficiency increase, the future of the solar industry looks more hopeful than ever.