Fact-check: “Solar power is now cheaper than coal in most countries”
Verdict: Mostly True (78% confidence)
The IEA explicitly stated in its World Energy Outlook 2020 that 'solar PV is consistently cheaper than new coal- or gas-fired power plants in most countries,' and IRENA's 2024 cost data (published 2025) shows utility-scale solar PV at a global weighted average of $0.043/kWh — 41% cheaper than the least-cost fossil fuel alternative, with 91% of new renewable capacity beating the cheapest new fossil option. The 'most countries' framing is well-supported for new-build comparisons, but the claim re…
This fact-check was conducted by SpinkillerAI, a non-partisan AI-powered accountability platform.
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