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U.S. Solar Power Generation Passes Coal For First Time

Solar power generated more electricity than coal in the United States during May 2026. This marks the first time solar has overtaken coal across a full month. Solar is now the third-largest power source in the country, following nuclear and natural gas.

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What changed

Solar power generation exceeded coal generation on a monthly basis for the first time in May 2026.

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  1. U.S. Solar Power Generation Surpasses Coal for First Time in May 2026

    Solar power generated more electricity than coal in the United States during May 2026. This marks the first time solar has overtaken coal across a full month. Solar is now the third-largest power source in the country, following nuclear and natural gas.

    What's confirmed:

    • U.S. solar power generation exceeded coal generation on a monthly basis for the first time in May 2026.
    • Solar power is now the third-largest power source in the U.S. after natural gas and nuclear.
    • U.S. solar output reached 45.5 TWh in May 2026, a 17 percent increase from the previous year.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Solar energy outperformed coal in April 2023 by producing approximately 21 percent of the country's electricity.
    • In May 2021, coal supplied 19.7 percent of US electricity while solar accounted for 5.4 percent.
    confidence 95%