Solar Overtakes Coal in U.S. Power Mix

For the first time in history, solar generation provided more electricity to American homes and businesses than coal. In May 2026, the share of the national grid powered by sunlight reached 12.8 percent, surpassing coal’s 12.2 percent. This milestone marks a turning point in the country’s energy landscape, signaling the continued rise of clean resources and the gradual decline of fossil fuels.

The jump in solar penetration illustrates how quickly renewable technologies can grow. Five years earlier, solar accounted for less than half of the amount seen today, while coal still supplied about 20 percent of electricity. The gap has narrowed so quickly that, even with a slight rebound in coal output during the summer, solar was already the third‑largest source of power behind natural gas and nuclear.

Energy experts attribute the shift to several factors. First, the cost of installing and operating solar panels has fallen dramatically, making it an attractive investment for utilities and homeowners alike. New solar capacity continues to expand, accounting for more than half of all newly installed generation in recent years. Second, the growing demand for electric transportation, data centers and heating systems has encouraged the deployment of low‑carbon power.

While federal policy has loosened support for renewables in recent months, the market is still moving in an upward direction. The findings of the Ember data analysis and the Solar Energy Industries Association report confirm that solar remains the fastest‑growing source of electricity. Even in the face of political uncertainty, investors and utilities are already building solar projects that will continue to replace coal‑based capacity.

This transition brings clear environmental benefits. Solar energy produces no carbon dioxide during operation, helping to reduce the United States’ greenhouse‑gas emissions and improving local air quality. The shift also offers economic advantages: solar projects create jobs in manufacturing, installation and maintenance, and lower electricity bills for consumers in the long term.

As the United States moves toward a cleaner energy future, this historic moment demonstrates the strength of renewable resources and the resilience of the American power grid. The fact that green electric power has overtaken coal for the first time is both a practical triumph and a symbolic sign of hope for decades of climate progress.