Data from Ember, SEIA and Wood Mackenzie show solar eclipsed coal in May, supplying 12.8% of U.S. electricity versus coal’s 12.2%, the first monthly crossover. The shift follows a steady climb in solar’s share and a historic low for coal generation in April, with only a modest rebound in May. Solar now ranks third overall, behind natural gas and nuclear.

Despite President Trump’s $700 million aid package for coal plants and exports, federal policies have slowed clean‑energy permitting and cut $7 billion in solar funding. Solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of new capacity in Q1, making solar the top source of new power for five years. Wind also outpaced coal in spring months. Trump touted coal as “a great business” during a White House event.

With electricity demand rising to power AI, domestic manufacturing and electric transport, solar’s “staying power” signals a structural shift in the generation mix. Analysts expect more months where solar outpaces coal before an annual crossover occurs within a few years. SEIA reports solar has led new capacity additions for five consecutive years. The data confirms that market forces, not federal rhetoric, are driving the transition.