Solar surpasses coal in U.S. electricity generation for first time, report finds
By
Julia Jacobo
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
For the first time in U.S. history, solar power generated more electricity than coal in May 2026, with solar supplying 12.8% of U.S. electricity compared to coal's 12.2%. This milestone comes despite Trump administration efforts to slow renewable energy growth. Solar and storage accounted for 90% of all new power capacity added in the U.S., according to reports from Ember, a clean energy think tank.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe U.S. has generated more power from solar compared to coal for the first time, according to a report by Ember, a think tank focused on the clean energy transition.
In May 2026, solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity, while coal supplied 12.2%, according to an analysis of official monthly and preliminary hourly generation data.
Solar and storage provided 90% of all new power added in the U.S.
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