US Solar Tops Coal at 12.8% in May as Trump Pours $700 Million Into Coal
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 10
US Solar Tops Coal at 12.8% in May as Trump Pours $700 Million Into Coal
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 10
Summary
May data from Ember showed solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity, edging coal at 12.2% for the first time and becoming the third-largest power source behind natural gas and nuclear.
Coal had just hit an all-time monthly low in April and only modestly rebounded in May, while rising solar output kept gaining as U.S. power demand grows from AI, manufacturing and electrification.
SEIA and Wood Mackenzie said solar and battery storage made up 91% of new generating capacity in the first quarter, extending solar’s five-year run as the top source of new U.S. power.
Trump last week announced nearly $700 million to support coal plants and exports, even as his administration has slowed or canceled some renewable programs and projects and ended $7 billion for affordable solar initiatives.
Trump-won states accounted for 74% of solar capacity installed in the first quarter, underscoring how solar’s expansion is spreading nationwide despite weaker federal support.
With solar surging, why is the tech boom forcing aging US coal plants to stay open?
Is America's solar boom trading its dependency on oil for a new reliance on China?
Solar power is now cheaper than coal, so when will this revolution actually lower your electricity bill?
2026 Milestone: Solar Power Outshines Coal in US Energy Generation
Overview
In May 2026, solar power surpassed coal in the US electricity mix for the first time, marking a historic shift in the nation’s energy landscape. This milestone was driven by a robust expansion of solar capacity, with major projects like the Tehuacana Creek 1 Solar and Battery Energy Storage System coming online and Texas leading in new solar additions. Together with wind and battery storage, solar is projected to make up 93% of new power capacity in 2026. This rapid growth builds on a decade of rising renewable energy use, highlighting a major transformation in the US power sector.