US renewable boom passes key milestone in April
Summary
In April 2026, the United States generated more electricity from solar power than from coal for the first time when including small rooftop solar installations. While utility-scale solar alone did not surpass coal, the combined total from all solar sources edged ahead as coal use continued to decline.Key Facts
- April 2026 data shows solar electricity production surpassed coal electricity production in the US for the first time.
- Small-scale solar, such as rooftop panels, accounts for a large part of solar energy and is mostly used where it is produced rather than sent to the power grid.
- Coal generated about 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in April 2026, utility-scale solar produced 31 TWh, and small-scale solar contributed nearly 10 TWh.
- Solar power grew over 20% compared to the previous year, though it still only provided about 9.4% of grid power in April versus coal’s 12%.
- Combining all renewable sources including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produced 117 TWh, almost three times coal’s output.
- Coal use is declining despite government efforts to support it, while solar remains the cheapest way to add new electricity capacity in most of the US.
- Longer daylight in April and new solar installations completed late in the previous year help boost solar production.
- Solar is expected to maintain or increase its lead over coal during the summer months in coming years.
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