Solar power generated 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May, surpassing coal for the first time. This made solar the third-largest source of U.S. electricity, behind natural gas and nuclear.

Coal supplied 12.2% of U.S. electricity in May, marking its fourth-lowest monthly share. U.S. coal generation reached an all-time monthly low in April before showing a modest rebound in May. Solar power has been the leading source of new U.S. power capacity for five consecutive years.

Solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of all new U.S. generating capacity in the first quarter of 2026. The U.S. has exceeded 6 million total solar installations across all sectors. States carried by Donald Trump in the 2024 election accounted for 74% of new U.S. solar capacity installed during the first quarter of 2026. This included states such as Texas, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Mississippi ranking among the top 10 for new solar additions.

The Trump administration previously canceled solar and wind projects. It also implemented policies that slowed clean energy permitting and terminated $7 billion in funding for affordable solar projects. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated, "The President has reversed the Left's devastating policies, saved the American coal industry, prevented the retirement of more than 17 gigawatts of power, and saved lives during heightened demand periods." Donald Trump has attributed recent increases in energy costs to renewable energy sources.

Interim president and CEO of SEIA, Darren Van't Hof, said, "As power demand skyrockets, political and regulatory attacks are slowing down the exact resources we rely on." He added, "Impeding the only sector that is actively building new power is a reckless gamble that will only drive electricity bills higher." A federal judge struck down Internal Revenue Service guidance restricting tax credits for wind and solar projects on Saturday. Recent energy price increases have been linked to growing demand, aging infrastructure, and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.