Solar Power Surpasses Coal in US Electricity Generation for First Time
In May 2026, solar power supplied 12.8% of US electricity for the first time, exceeding coal's 12.2% share, according to data from energy think tank Ember and industry reports. This milestone reflects years of steady growth in solar capacity and declining coal generation despite federal policy favoring fossil fuels. The shift underscores the ongoing transition in America's energy mix toward renewable sources.
Data released by global energy think tank Ember, along with reports from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie, show that solar power generated more electricity than coal in May 2026, marking a historic milestone. Solar supplied 12.8% of the nation's electricity while coal provided 12.2%, its fourth-lowest monthly share on record. Solar has now become the third-largest source of US electricity, behind natural gas and nuclear power. Coal generation hit an all-time monthly low in April before rebounding modestly in May, allowing solar's continued growth to overtake it. This trend reflects years of declining coal's role in the US electricity mix, even as the Trump administration has pursued policies favoring coal and other fossil fuels over clean energy sources.
What different sources said
- The GuardianLeft
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
Solar generates more energy in US than coal for first time
- 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
Solar generates more energy than coal in US for 1st time: Report
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