U.S. Solar Generation Exceeded Coal in May 2026 While Federal Funds Supported Coal Upgrades
@ABC reported that solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May while coal supplied 12.2%. Two reports released this week documented record solar output and continued capacity growth.
cnet.comU.S. 2%, marking the first month solar generation exceeded coal output, according to an Ember analysis of official monthly and preliminary hourly data. 5 TWh of solar energy was generated nationwide that month, 17% above May 2025 levels.
4 TWh, 11% below the same month last year. U.S. electricity system.
U.S. 2% last month. The report noted solar output typically peaks in June and July, raising the possibility of another record this summer.
U.S. 8 GW of new solar capacity in Q1 2026. More than 6 million solar installations now exist nationwide, sufficient to power about 50 million households.
The same report projected installed solar capacity will reach levels sufficient to power 100 million households by 2034. U.S. electric capacity built in the first quarter.
States won by President Donald Trump in the 2024 election accounted for 74% of Q1 solar capacity additions. Texas, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi ranked among the top 10 states for new installations. SEIA interim president and CEO Darren Van’t Hof said energy buyers have chosen solar and storage for security, low cost and speed amid fluctuating fuel prices.
The Environmental Protection Agency canceled the $7 billion Solar for All grant program in August 2025. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the agency no longer has statutory authority or appropriated funds to continue the program.
U.S. Coal exports. This included $425 million under the Defense Production Act for 13 existing coal plants, $75 million for a coal export terminal in California, and $185 million in Energy Department grants for two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia plus restarting a plant in Maryland.
