Renewable energy sources contributed 28.1% of total electricity production in the United States in May 2025, compared to 26.5% in the same month a year ago, and in spite of president Donald Trump‘s ongoing disdain for renewables.
In the period from January to May, renewables accounted for 9.7% more electricity than they did in the corresponding period a year ago, while in May alone, renewables provided 7.6% more, the SUN DAY Campaign, referencing data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), said.
Together, wind and solar produced more electricity than either coal or nuclear, with solar power alone providing over 11% of total US electricity in May, and utility-scale solar generation 33% higher than in the corresponding period a year earlier.
‘Set new records’
“Solar and wind continue to grow, set new records, and out-produce both coal and nuclear power,” commented the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, Ken Bossong. “Consequently, the ongoing Republican assault against renewables is not only misguided and illogical but also a good example of shooting oneself in the foot.”
Overall, solar output in the US rose by 26.4% year-on-year, totalling 38,965 gigawatt-hours (GWh), overtaking wind’s 36,907 GWh for the month.
Over the first five months of 2025, solar’s contribution rose nearly a third to 8.4% of national output, up from 6.6% a year ago.
Wind also continues to play a major role, supplying around an eighth (12.2%) of US electricity from January through May—an increase of nearly 4% compared to the same period in 2024.
Combined generation
Combined, solar and wind accounted for 20.5% of total US electricity generation in the first five months of this year, and 21.5% in May alone.
The combined output of solar and wind was 26.2% greater than electricity from coal, and 15.4% higher than nuclear power during the same period. In May specifically, wind and solar outproduced coal by 55.7% and nuclear by 22.1%.
More information is available at www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly.
