Solar generates more energy in US than coal for first time

In May, for the first time, solar power generated more electricity in the United States than coal, supplying 12.8% of the nation's electricity compared to coal's 12.2%, according to data from global energy thinktank Ember. This milestone was reported alongside findings from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and analytics firm Wood Mackenzie, highlighting solar's continued growth as the leading source of new power capacity. The achievement comes despite federal policies under President Donald Trump that favor coal over clean energy. Coal's share was its fourth-lowest monthly level ever, reflecting a long-term structural decline driven by economics and state-level renewable mandates. Solar's rise is attributed to falling installation costs, tax incentives, and corporate renewable procurement. The data underscores a shift in the U.S. energy mix, with solar now outpacing coal on a monthly basis for the first time.

Global Impact

Economically, solar's cost advantage over coal is accelerating, driving further investment in renewable infrastructure and reducing coal's market share. Politically, the milestone challenges the Trump administration's pro-coal agenda, potentially influencing energy policy debates and state-level renewable portfolio standards.