U.S. Renewable Energy Patent Trends (2015–2025): A Snapshot from PatSeer Analytics

 


Renewable energy has surged in the U.S., reaching 24% of total electricity generation in 2024, with solar and wind leading the transition. But which renewable technologies are truly advancing in innovation? A PatSeer-based patent landscape study (2015-mid-2025) reveals a striking contrast between market deployment and patent activity. 

Using the CPC category Y02E10, covering solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and marine energy, the analysis shows: 

Key Patent Filing Trends 

  • Photovoltaics dominate with 3,200+ filings, far outpacing all other sectors. 

  • Wind energy has the fewest patents despite contributing heavily to real-world power generation-signaling maturity rather than lack of innovation. 

  • Thermal-PV hybrids, marine, and geothermal show early-stage but promising patent traction. 

Top Innovators 
 Established firms like Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Saudi Aramco are extending their drilling expertise into renewable segments. Meanwhile, Tesla, Maxeon, Eavor, and Lone Gull Holding are leading focused innovation in solar, geothermal, and marine technologies. Research bodies like Battelle and Michigan University dominate foundational patents. 

Strategic Patent Control 
PatSeer’s Choke Point analysis highlights leaders like GE, Boeing, Tesla, and Maxeon holding patents that competitors may need to license or work around, creating high entry barriers in solar and hybrid technologies. 

👉 Insight: Future white-space opportunities lie in geothermal, marine energy, and hybrid solar technologies. U.S. Renewable Energy Patent Trends (2015–2025): Insights from PatSeer Analytics - PatSeer 

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