In April 2026, solar electricity production officially surpassed coal-fired generation in the US for the first time. This milestone occurred as coal usage continued to decline, while solar power's growth was attributed to its cost-effectiveness as a new generation source.
In April 2026, preliminary data indicated that solar electricity generation in the US exceeded that of coal for the first time. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources in the US grid.
Despite government efforts to support it, coal usage in the US has resumed its decline, providing only 12% of grid power compared to 14% the previous year. This downward trend is attributed to the increasing competitiveness of solar energy.
Solar power's growth continues to accelerate, with year-over-year increases exceeding 20%. However, early months typically experience low solar production. In April 2026, solar accounted for 9.4% of grid power, compared to 8.3% a year earlier.
The shift in energy production is likely to continue as longer days in spring boost solar output and new installations are completed. The ongoing decline of coal, coupled with rising solar adoption, suggests that the gap between these energy sources will continue to shrink.
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In April 2026, solar electricity production officially surpassed coal-fired generation in the US for the first time. This milestone occurred as coal usage continued to decline, while solar power's growth was attributed to its cost-effectiveness as a new generation source.