Texas Solar Will Outshine Coal Power for First Time in 2026

Texas is about to flip the script on energy. For the first time ever, solar panels across the state will generate more electricity than coal plants in 2026.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the power grid for most of the state, expects solar farms to produce 78 billion kilowatt-hours next year. Coal plants will generate just 60 billion, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

This milestone didn't happen overnight. Solar's share of Texas electricity has tripled from just 4% in 2021 to 12% in 2025, while coal's share dropped from 19% to 13% during the same period.

Texas is leading the nation's solar boom. About 40% of all new solar capacity built across America in 2026 will happen in the Lone Star State.

One of the biggest projects coming online this year is Tehuacana Creek 1 Solar. At 837 megawatts, it's the largest solar installation expected to launch in 2026 and includes battery storage to keep power flowing when the sun sets.

Meanwhile, no new coal plants are planned for Texas. The trend is clear and accelerating.

Solar actually started beating coal on certain months last year. March 2025 marked the first time monthly solar generation topped coal, and it continued through August.

Natural gas still dominates Texas power, providing about 44% of electricity. But renewable energy is rapidly filling the gap as demand surges from data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and booming industrial activity.

The Ripple Effect

Texas shows what's possible when policy, geography, and economics align. The state's vast open spaces and abundant sunshine create perfect conditions for solar farms, while growing energy needs make new capacity essential.

By choosing solar over coal for this expansion, Texas is cutting air pollution and creating construction jobs. Battery storage systems paired with solar farms also help stabilize the grid during peak demand.

Other states are watching closely. If Texas can make this transition work at scale, it provides a roadmap for energy grids nationwide.

By 2027, solar is expected to outpace coal every month except January and December, reaching 99 billion kilowatt-hours compared to coal's 66 billion. The sun is rising on a cleaner energy future, and Texas is leading the way.