As 2025 wraps up, companies are looking to see where 2026 is headed for energy and infrastructure. From policy shifts to tech breakthroughs, the year ahead is poised to deliver challenges and opportunities. To remain competitive, organizations need to be proactive and align their strategies with expected 2026 engineering insights.
With decades of experience in solar, storage, and electrical engineering, KMB Design Group is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate these trends. Here’s what to expect in 2026 and how to prepare for growth and profitability.
Battery Energy Storage Scaling
BESS will take center stage in 2026 as businesses seek grid resilience and cost savings. Incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act will continue to fuel acceleration in deployment, making storage essential for campuses, hospitals, and commercial properties.
What this means for businesses:
- Reduced demand charges and improved load balancing.
- Backup power during outages.
- Optimized solar generation.
Solar Expansion Across Sectors
The solar market remains on the rise, with corporations setting ambitious sustainability goals and utilities increasing clean energy adoption. Rooftop arrays, ground-mount projects, and carports continue to be smart ways to reduce costs and prove ESG leadership.
What this means for businesses:
- Lowered operating costs and grid dependence.
- Increased sustainability visibility.
- Scalable infrastructure that is adaptable to future energy needs.
Microgrid Expansion for Resilience
Communities and corporations are embracing microgrids for reliable, off-grid energy. California and Oregon are also implementing regulatory reforms in 2026 that will streamline interconnection and make microgrids more accessible nationwide.
What this means for businesses:
- Energy independence for critical facilities.
- Resilience against severe weather and outages
- Integration of solar and storage into one system.
Building Electrification and Grid Modernization
Electrification in heating, cooling and industrial systems is changing the way facilities operate. Smart building systems and grid modernization will increase in 2026, driving demand for integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering expertise.
What this means for businesses:
- Reduced emissions and regulatory compliance.
- Long-term energy efficiency gains.
- Smooth integration of renewables with building systems.
ESG Regulations and Compliance
States across the U.S. are tightening ESG disclosure requirements. In 2026, companies will be under increased pressure from key shareholders to measure carbon reduction, renewable integration, and infrastructure readiness.
What this means for businesses:
- Requirement for precise reporting and adherence.
- Increased investor and customer due diligence.
- Rare chances to differentiate yourself with believable sustainability leadership.
Why Work with KMB Design Group in 2026
2026 will reward organizations that prepare, adapt, and innovate to changes within their industries. A reliable, trusted partner versed in the technical and strategic aspects of energy infrastructure will be a valued asset. KMB Design Group’s full suite of engineering services are here to support you in designing future-ready infrastructure. We have:
- Licensing across all 50 states.
- Demonstrated expertise spanning 7,000 MW of solar projects.
- Storage, microgrid and electrification expertise.
- Guidance for turning compliance into a competitive advantage.
The coming year will present new challenges, but also huge opportunities. By acting now on these 2026 engineering insights, companies can cut costs, improve resilience, and strengthen their market share. With KMB Design Group as your engineering partner, 2026 will be a year for smarter, more profitable growth.