Solar power production undercut by coal pollution

New research reveals that pollution from coal-fired power plants is significantly reducing the energy output of solar installations, particularly where coal and solar capacity expand side by side. Aerosols reduced global solar electricity output by 5.8% in 2023 , with approximately 29% of aerosol-related solar losses in China directly linked to coal-fired power plants. Air pollution not only blocks sunlight but also changes clouds, potentially causing underestimation of solar power's contribution to reducing emissions if coal pollution is not controlled.

Source: Ars Technica | 2026-05-15