Solar power generated more electricity than coal in the United States during May, marking a historic shift in the nation's energy landscape even as the Trump administration pursues policies favoring fossil fuels.
Data released by energy research firm Ember shows solar supplied 12.8% of US electricity in May, edging out coal's 12.2% share. The milestone represents solar's ascent to the third-largest electricity source in the country, behind natural gas and nuclear power. Coal hit its fourth-lowest monthly share on record.
Nicolas Fulghum, senior energy analyst at Ember, described the shift as the culmination of years of decline for coal. "For years solar power has risen in the US electricity mix," Fulghum said. "At the same time, coal power has lost its status, first as the largest source in the US mix, and then gradually over the years has fallen even further."
Coal generation reached an all-time monthly low in April before rebounding slightly in May, but not enough to keep pace with expanding solar capacity. Fulghum expects solar to regularly exceed coal in coming months and to overtake it on an annual basis within a few years.
The achievement underscores solar's staying power in the energy sector despite shifting political winds. Wind and solar combined have previously surpassed coal, and wind alone has outpaced coal during spring months, but solar's solo victory represents a new threshold in the transition away from fossil fuels.
Growing electricity demand, driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure, domestic manufacturing expansion, and the electrification of transportation and heating systems, is reshaping US energy consumption patterns after two decades of relatively flat demand. This surge in power needs is being met primarily by renewable sources rather than traditional coal plants.
Solar has been the fastest-growing fuel source for five years running. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association and analytics firm Wood Mackenzie, solar and battery storage made up 91% of all new generating capacity in the first quarter of this year, with virtually no other energy resources being added to the grid.
The administration's stance differs sharply from market dynamics. Last week, President Trump announced plans to spend nearly $700 million supporting coal-fired power plants and coal exports, arguing that coal represents essential economic and energy security. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended the approach, saying the policies were designed to strengthen national security and prevent power plant retirements during peak demand periods.
Yet investors continue backing solar over coal based on economic returns. Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of solar panel manufacturer Heliene, noted that regardless of political messaging, capital flows toward the most profitable energy sources. "Investors will invest their money in whatever brings the best return," Pochtaruk said. "And for power generation that is solar."
Globally, renewable energy is accelerating at an even faster pace. The International Energy Agency projects renewables will account for nearly 45% of worldwide electricity generation by 2030, becoming the largest global energy source.
Author James Rodriguez: "Solar's May victory over coal isn't just a statistical milestone, it's a referendum on which energy sources the market actually wants, and Trump's half-billion-dollar coal rescue plan looks like throwing good money after bad."
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