Solar power supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May 2026, surpassing coal at 12.2% for the first time, according to data from Ember. The milestone comes despite federal policies favoring coal under President Trump. Solar and battery storage made up 91% of new generating capacity in the first quarter of 2026, per SEIA and Wood Mackenzie. States that voted for Trump in 2024 accounted for 74% of new solar installations in early 2026, with Texas, Florida, and Ohio leading. Analysts note that solar's falling costs and scalability are driving adoption regardless of federal policy. The article also highlights legal battles over canceled solar programs and tax credit restrictions, underscoring ongoing tensions between market forces and political decisions.
