California breaks renewable energy generation record

According to the state’s independent system operator (CAISO), on 13 May, renewables including solar, wind and hydro produced a record of 80.7% of the grid’s electricity.

More than half of that figure came directly from wind and solar. Overall, solar produced 8,669MW of peak production on 13 May – and that is not even inclusive of rooftop solar arrays – and constituted 17.2% of electricity on the grid.

“It’s going to be a dynamic year for records,” CAISO spokesperson Steven Greenlee said. “The solar records in particular are falling like dominoes.”

California also set a new record on 16 May for wind power, producing 4,985MW in one day.

These numbers are the latest benchmark in what is expected to be a record-setting year for renewable energy production in California. Further, the Golden State is also experiencing increased solar penetration resulting in negative wholesale pricing.

Duck curve

Increased solar levels in California have resulted in a pronounced duck curve which happens when solar gets to around 10% of electricity load, according to GTM Research.

“Our forecast calls for solar penetration nationally of a little over 2% last year to about 5.5% – so that’s a dramatic increase in the year 2022.
Read full article at PV Tech