Solar power surpassed coal as an electricity source in the United States for the first time in May 2026, marking a historic milestone in the nation's energy transition. Solar supplied 12.8% of electricity generation compared to coal's 12.2%, according to data released by global energy think tank Ember.

This achievement makes solar the third-largest source of electricity in the US, behind natural gas and nuclear power. Coal generation hit an all-time monthly low in April and rebounded only modestly in May, allowing solar's continued growth to overtake it. The milestone comes despite federal policies under President Trump that have favored coal over renewable energy sources.

The Trump administration has implemented several measures to support the coal industry, including a $700 million plan to boost coal-fired power plants and coal exports. The administration has also canceled solar and wind projects, slowed clean energy permitting, and terminated $7 billion in funding for affordable solar energy projects. However, these policies have not prevented solar's continued growth trajectory.

Solar and battery storage made up 91% of all new generating capacity in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. Solar has been the top source for new power generation for five consecutive years. The growth occurs as electricity demand increases due to artificial intelligence applications, domestic manufacturing expansion, and transportation electrification.

States that voted for Trump in the 2024 election accounted for 74% of all solar capacity installed in the first quarter of 2026. Texas, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Mississippi ranked among the top 10 states for new solar installations. The US now has more than 6 million solar installations across all sectors nationwide.

Analysts expect solar to continue outpacing coal in coming months before overtaking it on an annual basis within a few years. The trend reflects solar's economic competitiveness and technological improvements, even amid reduced federal support for renewable energy development.