Solar power reached several major milestones in the United States during the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the rapid expansion of renewable energy even as the Trump administration continues to promote coal production and usage.
According to the American Clean Power Association’s latest market report, utility-scale solar capacity has now surpassed wind power, helping push total U.S. clean energy capacity beyond 370 gigawatts.
The report showed that developers added 3.625 gigawatts of utility-scale solar capacity and 2.382 gigawatts of battery storage during the first three months of the year.
Wind energy contributed a smaller share, with 415 megawatts of new capacity entering service.
Additional data from energy think tank Ember indicated that solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity generation in May, edging past coal’s 12.2% share.
Industry leaders point to a strong development pipeline as evidence that renewable energy growth is likely to continue.
More than 195 gigawatts of clean energy projects are currently under development nationwide, including several large-scale installations expected to come online later this year and beyond.
Related Tweet:
Solar power hits new milestones in the U.S. even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy https://t.co/UYWAWqtDMJ
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) June 10, 2026
Solar overtook coal in US power generation in May, the first time the renewable source bested the fossil fuel in a calendar month https://t.co/akKKHTz7oj
— Bloomberg (@business) June 10, 2026
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TIPP Staff
