16 June 2026
In the first five months of 2026, utility-scale solar production overtakes natural gas production in CAISO. California Independent System Operator (CAISO) solar electricity production in the first five months of 2026 increased by 21% compared to the same period in 2024, and natural gas production decreased by 60%, data from our hourly electric grid monitor shows.
In CAISO, utility-scale solar generated more electricity than natural gas on a daily basis on 82% of days in the first five months of 2026, up from 21% in 2024 and 2025.
According to us, both solar power generation capacity and battery storage capacity have increased in CAISO over the past two years, while natural gas generation capacity has remained stable. Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator List. From April 2024 to April 2026, utility-scale solar capacity increased by 19% to 25 gigawatts (GW), and net battery storage capacity increased by 79% to 16 GW. Natural gas capacity remained almost unchanged at 29 GW. Total net capacity increased by 14% (11 GW) during this period.
Battery storage, often co-located with solar energy, charges when solar energy exceeds grid needs in the middle of the day and provides power to the grid during the evening and morning when the sun is lower. In the first five months of 2026, battery storage discharge tripled compared to the same period in 2024. Despite increased generation from solar and batteries and a 7% increase in demand over this time period, net generation decreased by 19% as electricity imports from nearby systems in CAISO doubled. The increase in imports was driven by relatively cheap power generation coming online and becoming available for import. As the drought there eased, hydropower imports from the Pacific Northwest increased, and CAISO began importing from the new Sunzia wind project in New Mexico in April this year. Additionally, the total retirement of generators at CAISO between May 2024 and May 2025 was 555 MW and included a 300 MW battery installation that caught fire in January 2025.
Data Source: California Independent System Operator (CAISO), today’s outlook five-minute power supply data
Major Contributors: Kimberly Peterson, Kathryn Antonio, Lori Anity
<a href