U.S. solar power generated more electricity than both coal-fired and wind generation in May, marking a notable milestone shift within the country's power generation mix. The latest monthly figures underscore a wider-2026 trend: renewable sources keep gaining ground while fossil-fuel output loses momentum.

As of May 31, total solar generation reached 47.15 TWh in May. By comparison, coal output stood at 45.12 TWh and wind totalled 41.16 TWh, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration's Electric Power Monthly report.

Calculated from EIA statistics, renewables generated 10.1% more electricity in the first five months of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier.

Solar accounted for most of this year-on-year increase: utility-scale solar generation rose 21.6%, while small-scale solar climbed 12.8%. Hydropower output advanced 10.8%, and wind grew by 4.8%.

Among fossil-fuel and baseload sources, gas-fired generation rose 2.5%, nuclear output increased 1.3%, while coal generation fell 10.9%.

Combined wind and solar output, including distributed small-scale solar, supplied over 22.2% of total U.S. electricity supply.

Grid-generation sources directly shape household energy costs and emissions profiles. Expanding low-cost renewable power helps reduce dependence on price-volatile fossil fuels whose combustion drives greenhouse gas emissions.

Coal's ongoing decline represents a remarkable structural shift. Long-standing as a core pillar of the U.S. power system, coal is ceding market share amid relentless solar capacity additions. In the 12-month period ending May 31, 2026, small-scale solar added 6.66 GW, while utility-scale solar capacity expanded by nearly 28 GW.

When paired with energy storage and distributed-generation assets, a larger solar fleet improves grid resilience, especially amid extreme-heat events and periods of sharp power demand spikes.