On the 28th of January, Texas witnessed an unprecedented surge in solar energy, with over one-third of its electricity sourced from the sun, marking a remarkable milestone in the state’s energy landscape. This feat, recorded at 10:09 a.m. by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), highlights the increasing prominence of solar power within Texas’ energy mix.
Clear skies across the state facilitated ideal conditions for solar energy generation, enabling approximately 15,222 megawatts of solar energy to flow through Texas transmission lines to power homes and businesses. Notably, one megawatt can supply energy to 200 homes during peak usage periods, as confirmed by ERCOT.
Later in the day, Texas further solidified its solar prowess by breaking a record for the share of electricity sourced from solar energy, reaching an impressive 36.11% on the grid.
According to Joshua Rhodes, an energy researcher at UT Austin, this milestone is just the beginning, with the state poised to set more records shortly. He attributes this trajectory to the rapid expansion of solar installations across Texas, which has recently overtaken California as the leading producer of solar energy in the nation.
Rhodes elaborated, “About five or six years ago, solar became cheaper than wind to deploy, so we started building a lot of that. That’s kind of the second wave of renewables that’s come onto the grid [after wind].”
It is worth noting that ERCOT’s figures may underestimate the actual solar energy contribution, as they do not encompass energy generated by rooftop solar installations on homes and businesses.
The notable upswing in solar energy exemplifies Texas’ dedication to adopting renewable energy, marking a substantial stride toward a more sustainable and robust energy landscape. With the ongoing utilization of solar power, Texas not only showcases its commitment to environmentally friendly practices but also serves as a compelling model for others seeking a transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
Source: KUT NEWS