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Environment & Energy

applegrove

(131,894 posts) Tue Mar 17, 2026, 08:41 PM 13 hrs ago

Solar electrical output out west was in surplus this winter.

We have the solutions to reduce power plant pollution and keep the lights on, and we're pioneering it in California.

While the east coast faced a deadly winter storm, California had plentiful solar power. [1/2]
— Rep. Doris Matsui (@dorismatsui.bsky.social) 2026-03-17T22:46:01.013Z

3 replies

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Solar electrical output out west was in surplus this winter. (Original Post) applegrove 13 hrs ago OP

This makes too much sense for some of our leadership to grasp. Deuxcents 12 hrs ago #1

In fact, California can't even use all the solar we generate.... CoopersDad 12 hrs ago #2

In the last ninety days only 30% of California's electricity has been solar. hunter 9 hrs ago #3

Deuxcents

(26,622 posts)

1. This makes too much sense for some of our leadership to grasp.

Reply to applegrove (Original post)

Tue Mar 17, 2026, 09:05 PM

12 hrs ago

CoopersDad

(3,310 posts)

2. In fact, California can't even use all the solar we generate....

Reply to applegrove (Original post)

Tue Mar 17, 2026, 09:40 PM

12 hrs ago

And this is why storage is so important.
Batteries, Pumped Hydropower, and other systems can store excess solar and wind energy that can't currently be used.

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/images/2025.05.28/main.svg

?w=1170&ssl=1

Source: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65364

hunter

(40,641 posts)

3. In the last ninety days only 30% of California's electricity has been solar.

Reply to applegrove (Original post)

Wed Mar 18, 2026, 12:30 AM

9 hrs ago

Last edited Wed Mar 18, 2026, 08:49 AM - Edit history (1)

Adding additional storage will only make our electricity cost more.

We're already competing with Hawaii for the highest electric rates.

Sunlight may be free but incorporating solar power into a reliable electric grid is not.

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