Solar power production undercut by coal pollution

Coal pollution is literally blocking sunlight and cutting solar power production, a grim irony where fossil fuel emissions reduce the efficiency of renewable energy installations by dimming the sky. This effect cuts solar panel output by up to 20% in heavily polluted regions, making it cheaper than the typical rival energy source while simultaneously eroding its own advantage. Data shows a 15% drop in annual solar yield near coal plants compared to clean-air areas.