Solar Power Overtakes Coal in Grid Supply, Marking a Historic Shift in the Energy Mix

New Delhi | 15 January 2026 | 5:00 PM IST — Solar energy has officially overtaken coal in grid power contribution during peak periods in multiple regions, marking a historic milestone in the global energy transition and underscoring the accelerating shift toward clean energy sources.

Grid operators and energy market analysts confirm that rising solar generation capacity, combined with improved forecasting and grid management, has enabled solar power to outpace coal-fired generation during daytime demand windows — a scenario that was considered unlikely just a decade ago.

Solar’s Rapid Rise in the Energy Mix

Record solar capacity additions over the past five years, declining module costs, and strong policy support have driven unprecedented growth in solar generation. Utility-scale solar plants, rooftop installations, and decentralized systems are now contributing significantly to national and regional grids.

In several high-renewable penetration markets, solar generation has consistently exceeded coal output during daylight hours, reshaping dispatch priorities and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based baseload power.

Coal’s Declining Share and Operational Challenges

Coal-based power plants are increasingly operating at lower plant load factors as renewable generation takes priority under must-run obligations. Aging coal infrastructure, rising operational costs, and environmental compliance requirements have further reduced coal’s competitiveness.

Energy experts note that coal is gradually transitioning from a baseload role to a balancing and backup function, particularly as energy storage and flexible generation assets expand.

Role of Grid Modernisation and Storage

Advancements in grid digitalisation, real-time monitoring, and artificial intelligence-based forecasting have played a critical role in managing higher solar penetration. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped hydro storage are increasingly being deployed to smooth variability and extend solar’s contribution beyond daylight hours.

Policy frameworks encouraging solar-plus-storage projects are further strengthening solar’s position in grid supply and enhancing system reliability.

Implications for Energy Policy and Markets

The overtaking of coal by solar power signals a structural shift in energy markets. Policymakers are now focusing on accelerating transmission infrastructure, reforming power markets, and supporting storage deployment to sustain renewable-led grids.

For investors and developers, the trend reinforces long-term confidence in solar assets, while utilities are adapting procurement strategies to align with a cleaner and more flexible power system.

Outlook

Industry analysts project that solar’s share in grid supply will continue to expand through 2030, driven by falling technology costs, supportive regulations, and climate commitments. While coal will remain part of the energy mix in the near term, its dominance is expected to diminish steadily.

The milestone of solar overtaking coal represents not just a technological achievement, but a fundamental transformation in how electricity is generated, dispatched, and consumed.

Published by SolSetu | Author: Girish