Solar beats coal in the US electricity mix for the first month ever

Solar power generated more electricity than coal in the United States for the first time in May 2026, according to an analysis by the energy think tank Ember. During May, solar energy accounted for 12.8% of the nation's electricity generation, surpassing coal's 12.2% share. This marks a significant milestone in the transition towards renewable energy sources. The data indicates a continued decline in coal's contribution to the US electricity mix, while solar power demonstrates robust growth. This shift is attributed to increasing investments in solar infrastructure and favorable policy environments that promote clean energy adoption. The trend suggests a potential acceleration in the decarbonization of the US energy sector, with solar poised to play an increasingly dominant role in meeting the country's power demands.