Texas reached a historic energy milestone in 2025 as solar power generated more electricity than coal for the first time in the state’s history. According to data from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), solar contributed nearly 14% of the grid’s power, narrowly overtaking coal’s 13% share. This shift highlights the rapid expansion of renewable energy in the Lone Star State, which has recently surpassed California in utility-scale solar capacity. Despite a slight resurgence in coal generation last year, the sheer pace of solar growth—driven by declining costs and battery integration—has solidified its dominance over the aging fossil fuel.
The energy landscape in Texas has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last five years. In 2020, solar energy was a minor player, accounting for just 2% of the state’s electricity generation, while coal provided 18%. By the end of 2025, however, the hierarchy shifted. Solar power surged to nearly 14% of the total energy mix, effectively pushing coal into third place behind natural gas and wind. This achievement is particularly notable given that coal generation actually saw an 8% increase in 2025; however, solar’s explosive 41% growth rate during the same period allowed it to eclipse the fossil fuel regardless.
Texas has leveraged its vast land resources and abundant sunshine to become the nation’s leader in utility-scale solar capacity, recently overtaking California for the top position. The state’s unique market structure under ERCOT, characterized by competitive pricing and streamlined interconnection processes, has made it a magnet for developers. Furthermore, the rise of grid batteries has created a symbiotic relationship with solar installations, providing the necessary storage to make intermittent renewable energy more reliable and economically viable.
While coal has been on a downward trajectory for over a decade—initially pressured by the rise of fracked gas and cheap wind energy—fossil fuels still maintain a majority hold on the Texas grid. Combined, natural gas and coal accounted for 54% of the state’s electricity last year, with natural gas remaining the primary source of power by a significant margin.
The rapid transition to renewables has not been without political friction. Some state lawmakers have attempted to implement restrictions on clean energy growth, advocating instead for the expansion of natural gas infrastructure to meet increasing demand. Nevertheless, the economic momentum of solar and storage technologies continues to drive the market. As costs for solar modules and battery systems remain low, the financial incentives for renewable expansion appear to be outweighing political opposition, cementing Texas’s role as a powerhouse in the American energy transition.