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12 June 2026 at 09:24 pm IST
Solar energy achieved a major milestone in the United States in May, generating more electricity than coal for the first time ever, underscoring the rapid transformation of the country’s power sector despite federal efforts to support fossil fuels. According to new data from energy think tank Ember, solar accounted for 12.8% of U.S. electricity generation in May, narrowly surpassing coal’s 12.2% share. The achievement marks another step in coal’s long-term decline and highlights the growing role of renewable energy in meeting the nation’s rising electricity demand. Solar also became the third-largest source of electricity generation in the country during the month, trailing only natural gas and nuclear power. Meanwhile, coal generation, which once dominated the U.S. energy mix, fell to one of its lowest monthly shares on record. Analysts attribute the shift to continued growth in solar installations and declining reliance on coal-fired power plants. The milestone comes as U.S. electricity demand begins to climb after years of relatively flat growth, driven by the expansion of AI data centers, domestic manufacturing, electric vehicles, and building electrification. Industry experts expect solar to exceed coal generation more frequently in the coming years and eventually overtake it on an annual basis. Solar’s momentum extends beyond electricity generation. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie reported that solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of all new power generation capacity added in the first quarter of 2026, making them the dominant sources of new energy infrastructure. The development is particularly notable as the Trump administration continues to promote coal production and recently announced nearly $700 million in support for coal-fired power plants and coal exports. Despite these efforts, market trends and investment flows continue to favor renewable energy, with solar remaining the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation in the United States. The latest figures highlight a significant shift in the U.S. energy landscape, as clean energy increasingly challenges traditional fossil fuels in powering the economy of the future.
