economy
Solar energy production overtakes coal despite regulation changes
The sun now generates more electricity for U.S. consumers than coal, despite President Donald Trump’s penchant for carbon-heavy power.
TL;DR
- Solar power is now the third largest electricity source in the U.S., exceeding coal.
- This marks the first time on record that solar has generated more electricity than coal.
- Solar's share of U.S. energy generation capacity has nearly doubled since May 2021.
- Coal's share of American energy has significantly decreased, reaching its smallest share on record in April.
- Government incentives, particularly at the state level, are contributing to solar's growth.
- The Biden administration invested over $7 billion in solar generation through the 'Solar for All' initiative.
- Donald Trump has expressed support for the coal industry, including efforts to support coal exports.
- Solar now trails only natural gas and nuclear as an electricity source in the U.S.