Key facts
- Solar power generated more electricity than coal in the U.S. for the first time in May 2026.
- Solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May, surpassing coal's 12.2% share.
- Coal generation hit an all-time monthly low in April 2026.
- Solar is now the third-largest source of U.S. electricity, behind natural gas and nuclear.
- President Donald Trump is actively promoting the U.S. coal industry.
- Solar has been the leading source for new power in the U.S. for five years.
Solar power has surpassed coal generation in the U.S. for the first time in May, supplying 12.8% of the nation's electricity compared to coal's 12.2%. This milestone, detailed by data from Ember and reports from SEIA and Wood Mackenzie, highlights solar's continued ascent despite federal policies favoring the coal industry.
Coal generation experienced its fourth-lowest monthly share ever in May, following an all-time monthly low in April. Solar has now become the third-largest source of U.S. electricity, trailing only natural gas and nuclear power. Analysts expect solar to exceed coal on an annual basis within a few years.
Despite President Donald Trump's efforts to boost the struggling U.S. coal industry, including a nearly $700 million plan to support coal-fired power plants and exports, investors are prioritizing solar due to its superior returns and rapid growth. Solar has been the leading source for new power generation in the U.S. for five consecutive years, making up 91% of all new generating capacity in the first quarter of 2026 when combined with battery storage.
The Trump administration has previously canceled solar and wind projects and reduced funding for affordable solar energy initiatives. Energy analysts attribute recent price hikes to growing demand, aging infrastructure, and extreme weather events, rather than renewable energy sources as claimed by Trump. Notably, states that voted for Trump in the 2024 election accounted for a significant portion of new solar capacity installed in the first quarter of 2026.
Environment America highlights that solar is now more affordable and abundant than any other energy source, contributing to its widespread adoption. The number of states generating at least 10% of their electricity from clean sources has increased significantly, demonstrating a nationwide trend towards renewables.