Solar Power Surpasses Coal in US Electricity Generation for First Time
In May 2026, solar energy supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity, exceeding coal's 12.2% share for the first time on record, according to data from energy think tank Ember. The milestone comes despite the Trump administration's active efforts to revive the coal industry, including a $700 million support package announced last week. The crossover marks a structural shift in the U.S. power mix, with solar now the third-largest individual electricity source and the dominant driver of new capacity additions.
Data released June 10, 2026, by Ember, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and analytics firm Wood Mackenzie confirmed that solar generated 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May, surpassing coal's 12.2% — coal's fourth-lowest monthly share ever. Solar also became the third-largest individual electricity source in the country, behind only natural gas and nuclear. The shift is especially striking given that just five years ago coal generated roughly 20% of U.S. electricity in May while solar accounted for only about 5.4%. Solar and battery storage together made up 91% of all new generating capacity added in the first quarter of 2026, and states won by Trump in 2024 accounted for 74% of new solar installations. The Trump administration has simultaneously canceled solar and wind projects, terminated $7 billion in Solar for All funding, and announced nearly $700 million to support coal-fired power plants and exports. Analysts expect solar to continue outpacing coal on a monthly basis and to surpass it on an annual basis within a few years, driven by rising electricity demand from AI, manufacturing, and electrification.
What's missing
The articles do not quantify the long-term impact of the Trump administration's policy actions on the solar project pipeline beyond Q1 2026.
How coverage differed
Most outlets reported the same core facts drawn from the AP wire, but Euronews and The Guardian framed the story primarily as a clean energy success narrative, while Mother Jones added context about Congress rolling back Biden-era climate legislation via the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' and Trump paying an oil company to halt offshore wind. The Washington Times ran the AP story with minimal editorial framing, while Electrek provided the most granular generation data (e.g., 45.5 TWh record, coal's 39.3 TWh April low) without the political commentary prominent in left-leaning outlets.
What different sources said
Solar generates more energy in US than coal for first time
- Washington TimesRight
Solar power hits new milestones in the U.S. even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
- The IndependentLeft
Solar power hits new milestones despite Trump’s effort to boost coal over clean energy
- AP NewsCenter
Solar power hits new milestones in the US even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
- Mother JonesLeft
In the United States, Solar Energy is Outpacing Coal for the First Time Ever
- EuronewsCenter
‘Coal power has lost its status’: Solar power outstrips coal in US despite Trump's attacks
- PBS NewsHourLeft
Solar power hits new milestones in the U.S. even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
- ElectrekCenter
Solar beats coal in the US electricity mix for the first month ever
Solar generates more energy than coal in US for 1st time: Report
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