Overview
- Ember’s analysis shows that in May 2026 solar produced a record 45.5 terawatt‑hours and supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity, edging past coal’s 12.2% and making solar the third‑largest single source.
- The U.S. added 7.8 gigawatts of new solar in Q1 2026 and solar plus battery storage accounted for 91% of new generating capacity, reflecting fast build‑out by utilities, businesses and homeowners.
- Industry groups warn that 457 solar and storage projects are waiting on permits and that permitting delays, along with recent regulatory changes, could flatten U.S. solar additions over the next five years.
- The federal government has announced about $700 million to support coal projects, and the President has pursued policies that favor coal while some court rulings have altered renewable tax‑credit guidance.
- Rising electricity demand from AI data centers, electrification and manufacturing is increasing the need for quick capacity additions, so any slowdown in solar deployment could raise costs and slow grid decarbonization.