Solar generates more energy in US than coal for first time

In May, solar power generated 12.8% of US electricity, surpassing coal's 12.2% for the first time, according to data from Ember, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and Wood Mackenzie. This marks a significant milestone for solar, which has been the leading source of new power generation for five years, despite federal policies aimed at boosting the coal industry. Coal's share of electricity generation has been steadily declining, reaching its fourth-lowest monthly share ever in May. While President Trump has advocated for coal, investors are increasingly favoring solar due to its profitability and growth. Solar is now the third-largest source of US electricity, behind natural gas and nuclear power.

Despite federal policies favoring coal, solar power has reached new milestones in the U.S., becoming the leading source of new power generation. In May, solar supplied 12.8% of the nation's electricity, surpassing coal's 12.2% share for the first time. Solar is now the third-largest electricity source, behind natural gas and nuclear. This growth occurs as the Trump administration supports the coal industry with significant funding and has implemented policies that have slowed clean energy development. However, investors are reportedly prioritizing solar due to its strong returns, and solar and battery storage constituted 91% of new generating capacity in the first quarter.