While federal policies favor coal, solar power is reaching new heights in the U.S., maintaining its status as the leading source of new power. This trend is evident despite President Trump’s focus on coal.
A report by Ember, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and Wood Mackenzie highlights the ongoing rise of solar energy and the decline of coal. In May, solar surpassed coal in electricity supply, providing 12.8% to coal’s 12.2%. This marked a significant milestone, showing solar as a consistent force in the energy mix.
Nicolas Fulghum, a senior analyst at Ember, noted that solar power has been increasing for years, while coal has dwindled from its top position. In May, solar became the third-largest electricity source in the U.S., behind natural gas and nuclear. Coal generation hit a record low in April but only slightly recovered in May. Fulghum expects solar power to consistently exceed coal in future months, leading to annual overtaking.
The rise of solar energy occurs amid increasing electricity demand in the U.S. Driven by the growth of AI, manufacturing, and electric transportation, this demand provides an opportunity for renewable energies like solar and wind.
President Trump supports the struggling coal industry, announcing plans to inject $700 million into coal power and exports. However, the economic viability of solar continues to attract investment, as highlighted by Martin Pochtaruk of Heliene, a solar panel manufacturer. Investors favor solar due to its high returns, making it the fastest-growing energy source.
The Trump administration’s energy policies have slowed renewable projects by canceling developments and terminating $7 billion in funding for solar initiatives. Despite these challenges, Darren Van’t Hof from SEIA emphasizes that solar remains vital for meeting power demand, especially given political and regulatory hurdles.
Globally, renewable energy is on the rise. The International Energy Agency projects that by 2030, renewables will account for nearly 45% of global electricity generation. This trend is evident in the U.S., where solar installation is thriving in states that supported Trump in the 2024 election. Texas, Florida, Ohio, and others dominate new solar additions, contributing to over 6 million installations nationwide.
Johanna Neumann from the Environment America Research and Policy Center states that solar’s growth is beneficial for both health and the environment. Solar energy is affordable, scalable, and abundant, making it an indispensable part of the energy landscape. The center’s data show that 32 states now generate at least 10% of retail electricity from solar and other renewables, a significant increase from 18 states in 2016.
There is a misconception that renewable energy is limited to liberal regions. In reality, it’s a nationwide movement, with clean energy booming across various states, including Florida, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
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