Utah Solar Power Surpasses All Sources for First Time

Utah's solar generation surpassed all other electricity sources for the first time in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state's transition away from coal. Photovoltaic panels produced nearly 1 terawatt-hour of electricity in May 2026, accounting for approximately one-third of the state's total electricity generation for that month, according to data compiled by Ember, a global energy think tank. This solar output exceeded that of natural gas, which generated 32 percent, and coal, which produced 28 percent of the state's electricity. Wind power contributed 2 percent to the total generation.

Dan Schroeder, a physics professor at Weber State University who monitors energy data, described this development as beneficial for Utah's air quality, climate, and economy. He attributed the rise in solar power to the recent commissioning of several large-scale solar farms. Among these is the Green River Energy Center, a 2,500-acre facility in central Utah that became operational in the spring of 2026. This center features 400 megawatts of solar generation capacity and 400 megawatts of battery storage. Additionally, Excelsior Energy Capital's Faraday Solar project, located in Utah County, began supplying up to 685 megawatts of power to Meta's data center in the fall of 2025. The Elektron Solar Project, an 80-megawatt photovoltaic farm, commenced electricity delivery to Salt Lake City, Park City, and Summit County in June 2024.

The growth of the solar industry in Utah is also reflected in employment figures. The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that solar power supports nearly 8,000 jobs within the state. Utah hosts 132 solar companies, including 54 solar developers and 23 solar manufacturers. Investment in Utah's solar market reached $1.5 billion in 2025 alone. In comparison, oil and gas extraction provided 1,291 jobs in Utah in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Coal mining, in the most recent year for which data is available (2023), accounted for 1,059 jobs, with an additional 1,905 jobs in the coal sector.

This shift towards solar power in Utah represents a broader trend of renewable energy adoption, driven by decreasing costs of solar technology, state and federal incentives, and growing environmental awareness. The substantial investments in solar infrastructure, coupled with the creation of numerous jobs in the sector, highlight the economic advantages accompanying the environmental benefits. The state's commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio away from fossil fuels, particularly coal, is underscored by these recent developments, positioning Utah as a leader in renewable energy generation.