Dive Brief:

• At 4,093 MW, solar generation accounted for 18% of California's demand last Saturday, surpassing the previous record of 3,926 MW set the day before.
• California's solar power has more than doubled since June 2012 when solar facilities provided 2,071 MW, according to the California Independent System Operator.
• During the peak record last week, 78% of the state's solar resources were providing power, up from the typical 20% annual capacity factor.

Dive Insight:

California leads the U.S. in solar, but the record in the state is a sign of things to come for the rest of the country. Where it makes sense geographically and financially, solar will continue to be added in the coming years. This means grid operators will need to be able to handle days when solar is producing at high levels, but also when cloudy weather cuts production.