Solar Power Achievements Despite Challenges in U.S. Energy Policy

Amidst President Donald Trump’s emphasis on coal over clean energy, solar power in the U.S. is reaching noteworthy milestones and remains the forefront source of new power installations. Recent data from Ember, a global energy think tank, alongside reports from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and analytics firm Wood Mackenzie, highlight solar’s growth despite restrictive federal policies. In May, solar accounted for 12.8% of national electricity supply, surpassing coal at 12.2%. This represents coal’s fourth-lowest monthly share historically.

According to Nicolas Fulghum, senior energy and data analyst at Ember, solar power has steadily ascended in the U.S. electricity landscape, overtaking coal’s traditional dominance. In May, solar became the third-largest electricity source in the country, after natural gas and nuclear power, with coal experiencing its lowest monthly generation in April and a modest recovery in May.

Electricity is generated by converting energy sources such as fossil fuels, renewable resources, and nuclear into power. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas release carbon dioxide when burned, which contributes to global warming. In contrast, solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and nuclear are carbon-free options. After two decades of stable electricity consumption, rising demand is driven by artificial intelligence, domestic manufacturing growth, transportation electrification, and heating needs.

Fulghum anticipates more instances where solar will exceed coal generation on a monthly basis, predicting it will annually outpace coal in a few years. Solar’s resilience is evident even in a climate of decreased federal renewable energy support. Wind and solar have collectively surpassed coal, with wind power alone exceeding coal during windy spring months. Ember’s data comes from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Globally, renewable electricity generation is expanding swiftly. According to the International Energy Agency, renewables will constitute nearly 45% of global electricity generation by 2030.

Despite Trump’s attempts to revitalize the coal industry, solar has led in new power sources for five years, as reported by SEIA. Solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of new capacity built in the beginning quarter. The Trump administration has restricted solar and wind projects, slowed clean energy permitting, and revoked $7 billion in funding for affordable solar initiatives.

The administration’s policies are criticized for raising electricity costs due to denied growth of renewable sectors amid increased demand and outdated infrastructure. Energy costs were further influenced by the Iran conflict initiated by Trump.

States that favored Trump during the 2024 election were significant contributors to solar capacity, comprising 74% of installations in early 2026, with Texas, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Mississippi leading in new solar additions. Nationally, over 6 million installations cover all solar sectors, including large-scale, commercial, community, and residential solar.

Johanna Neumann from the Environment America Research and Policy Center applauds solar growth as beneficial for health and the planet, noting its economic affordability and scalability. Environment America reports a significant increase in states generating at least 10% of retail electricity from clean sources, reflecting growing clean energy adoption.

Neumann notes the misconception that clean energy is confined to coastal or liberal areas, outlining its national reach across 50 states.

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