California’s ambitious clean energy goals are paying off, with the state producing more solar energy than ever before. But this success has created an unexpected problem: a surplus of solar energy.
The phenomenon, known as the “duck curve,” occurs when solar production exceeds demand, particularly during sunny days in the spring. While California is able to export some of this excess energy to other states, in some cases it has to be curtailed, meaning it is essentially wasted.
This year alone, California has lost nearly 2.6 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy, primarily solar, due to curtailment. This is enough energy to power all the homes in San Francisco for an entire year.
“We get into certain times of the year, in the springtime particularly, when the demand for electricity isn’t that high yet, and we have quite a bit of solar production where, under certain conditions, we actually have more than California can actually use,” said Elliot Mainzer, the CEO of California’s Independent System Operator, which manages 80% of the state’s electricity flow.
To address this challenge, California is exploring several solutions:
- Transmission Expansion: Adding more transmission lines would allow for better energy flow across the state, reducing curtailment.
- Battery Storage: Deploying more batteries to store excess energy for use during peak demand times.
- Incentive Changes: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has reduced financial incentives for homeowners installing solar, requiring them to also install batteries, which are expensive.
While these solutions offer promise, they also come with challenges. The CPUC’s changes have significantly impacted the solar industry, leading to job losses and a decline in solar installations. Critics argue that these changes disproportionately burden those who cannot afford expensive battery systems.
“No way we’re going to get there without rooftop solar,” said Ed Murray, the president of the California Solar and Storage Association. “Electric vehicles, heat pumps, electric range tops — this is not going to happen without solar. Period.”
California’s solar surplus is a complex issue with no easy solutions. It highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses energy supply and demand, economic impacts, and equity concerns. As California continues its transition to clean energy, it must navigate these challenges to ensure a successful and sustainable future.