California's solar surge outpaces natural gas in 2026
TL;DR Summary
U.S. EIA data show CAISO utility-scale solar generated more electricity than natural gas on 82% of days from January to May 2026, with solar output up 21% vs 2024 and gas down 60%. Solar capacity reached about 25 GW and battery storage 16 GW, while natural gas capacity stayed around 29 GW. Despite a 7% rise in electricity demand, total CAISO net generation fell 19% as imports from hydropower and the new SunZia wind project in New Mexico offset domestic generation, and several capacity retirements occurred, including a 300 MW battery facility after a 2025 fire.
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