Batteries have supplied more than 10 GW to California’s grid for the first time, as they start to dominate the evening peak.
Batteries are charging up with daytime solar and then discharging as solar ramps down at the end of the day. They regularly meet a third of evening peak demand and remain the largest source of supply for around three hours.
And the growth trajectory is steep:
➡️ Two years ago the record was just 3.5 GW.
➡️ Five years ago it was less than 200 MW.
They are flexible and extremely quick to respond. By charging in the middle of the day batteries soak up excess solar and then put this to good use later, reducing the need for gas and imports in the nighttime hours.
And it’s not just batteries. Two days ago hashtag#solar set a new generation record, and then broke the record again yesterday.
And just today, a new record has been set for overall renewable generation, passing 28 GW for the first time.
With battery prices lower than ever, adoption rates are soaring and this is helping drive the transition. Onwards and upwards!
