Solar supplied 12.8% of US electricity in May even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
Solar energy generated more electricity in the United States than coal for the first time in May, according to data published on Wednesday by the energy think tank Ember and a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. Ember reported that solar accounted for 12.8 percent of the nation's electricity during the month, while coal contributed 12.2 percent, marking coal's fourth-lowest monthly share on record.
Nicolas Fulghum, a senior energy and data analyst at Ember, noted that solar also became the third-largest electricity source nationally in May, trailing only natural gas and nuclear power. Fulghum explained that coal generation dropped to an all-time monthly low in April and experienced only a slight recovery in May, allowing expanding solar output to surpass it. He anticipates that solar will exceed coal generation in additional individual months before outpacing it on an annual basis within a few years.
The achievement occurs despite federal policies favoring fossil fuels and a recent White House initiative announced by Donald Trump to support the struggling US coal sector with nearly 700 million dollars for coal-fired power plants and exports. While the administration defended its energy strategy as a measure to enhance national security and preserve power generation capacity, federal actions have also included halting solar and wind projects, delaying clean energy development, and canceling seven billion dollars in funding for domestic affordable solar projects.
Martin Pochtaruk, CEO and founder of the solar panel manufacturer Heliene, stated that financial markets ultimately direct capital toward the most profitable energy generation, which currently favors solar. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar has remained the leading source of new power capacity for five years, representing 91 percent of all new generating capacity alongside battery storage during the first quarter.
Originally reported by The Guardian on Jun 11, 2026.
