Solar overtakes coal in US electricity mix for first time

SOLAR power generated more electricity than coal in the US for the first time in May, marking another milestone in the country's shift away from fossil fuels despite efforts by President Trump to revive the coal industry.

A report from energy think tank Ember found that solar made up 12.8% of US electricity generation in May, compared with 12.2% from coal – its fourth lowest monthly share on record.

The result continues a long-term trend that has seen coal's contribution to the US electricity mix decline sharply while renewable generation expands. Around 113 GW of coal-fired generating capacity has been retired in the last decade, leaving 189 GW still in operation, according to data published by Global Energy Monitor.

Solar surge

Solar’s share of the US energy mix has more than doubled over the last five years from 5.4% in 2021 to 12.8% as of May 2026.

Growth in solar deployment has accelerated across both utility-scale and residential projects.
This year, the US surpassed 6m solar installations, according to the Solar Energy Industries Alliance (SEIA), with 97% installed on residential homes. The SEIA projects that by 2034, the US will have enough solar capacity to power 100m households.

Coal decline continues

Coal generation has fallen steadily as ageing plants are retired and operators face increasing competition from lower-cost renewable energy sources.

The US Energy Information Association (EIA) has previously highlighted competition from renewables alongside rising operating and transport costs, as key factors behind the decline of coal generation.

However, the trend comes despite continued political support for the sector. Since returning to office, President Trump has prioritised fossil fuel production and sought to slow the growth of renewable energy projects.

In the last week, the president announced a US$700m package aimed at supporting the coal industry. The funding includes US$500m to extend the lives of 14 coal plants and opening a new export terminal in California. A further, US$200m from the US Department of Energy will fund the construction of new coal plants in Alaska and Virginia – the first new plants in the US since 2013.

While the measures are intended to boost domestic coal production, the latest generation figures suggest renewable energy continues to gain ground in the US electricity mix.