Story perspectives

Solar Beats Coal in May, Trump Pledges $700 M.

6/10/2026

Summary

Solar Overtakes Coal

Solar power overtook coal in May, supplying 12.8% of electricity versus coal’s 12.2%.
Solar generation rose 17% while coal generation dropped 11% in the same month.
Natural gas remained the largest source, providing 37% of the U.S. electric mix in May.
President Donald Trump’s administration pledged about $700 million to keep coal plants operating, while solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of new U.S. capacity added in the first quarter.

Summary

Red States Solar

Solar installations in states that voted for U.S. President Donald Trump accounted for 74% of U.S. solar capacity in the first quarter, despite the administration’s coal support.
From Texas to Mississippi, Republican states saw rapid solar growth, showing market demand for clean power crosses partisan lines.
Solar and battery storage comprised 91% of all new U.S. capacity installed in the first quarter, highlighting storage’s role in the clean-energy expansion.

Summary

Judge Blocks IRS

A federal judge struck down IRS guidance limiting tax credits for wind and solar projects.
A district court dismissed a lawsuit over the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s cancellation of the Solar for All program, citing jurisdictional lack.
The plaintiffs intend to refile in the Court of Federal Claims, maintaining agency pressure.
Thirty-two states generate at least 10% of electricity from solar, wind or geothermal, up from 18 states in 2016.

Summary

Moffitt Calls Bailout

Lena Moffitt of Evergreen Action called the $700 million coal bailout a lifeline to a sunk ship.
Rich Nolan of the National Mining Association argued coal generation shields consumers from volatile energy prices and AI-linked supply challenges.
The Solar Energy Industry Association reported that 2025 installations fell versus 2024, yet solar still accounted for over half of new electricity capacity, a share analysts say remains dominant and signals long-term growth.

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Solar Overtakes Coal

Solar power overtook coal in May, supplying 12.8% of electricity versus coal’s 12.2%.
Solar generation rose 17% while coal generation dropped 11% in the same month.
Natural gas remained the largest source, providing 37% of the U.S. electric mix in May.
President Donald Trump’s administration pledged about $700 million to keep coal plants operating, while solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of new U.S. capacity added in the first quarter.

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