Solar in California surpassed natural gas in the first five months of 2026
6 hours ago
- #Solar Energy
- #Renewable Transition
- #California Grid
- Utility-scale solar generation exceeded natural gas generation in CAISO for the first five months of 2026, occurring on 82% of days.
- Solar generation increased by 21% compared to the same period in 2024, while natural gas generation decreased by 60%.
- Solar capacity grew 19% to 25 GW, and battery storage capacity surged 79% to 16 GW from April 2024 to April 2026.
- Battery storage discharge tripled in early 2026 compared to 2024, supporting grid needs during non-sunny hours.
- Despite higher solar and battery output and a 7% demand increase, net generation fell 19% due to doubled electricity imports.
- Imports rose due to cheaper external power, including hydro from the Pacific Northwest and wind from New Mexico's SunZia project.
- Generator retirements totaled 555 MW from May 2024 to May 2025, including a 300 MW battery lost to fire.