California’s Grid Hits 100% Clean Energy
For several years, California has been making significant strides toward its goal of achieving 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045. Each year, the state takes bigger steps toward meeting energy demand through renewable and zero-carbon sources, driven by solar power and supported by rapid growth in battery storage.
Keep reading to discover how California is leading the nation in solar and battery-storage development, the clean-energy milestones achieved, and how the state is planning and building the necessary infrastructure to support these milestones, as well as the economic benefits that have followed this transition.
Solar and Battery Storage Leadership
Solar Growth
During the day in California, solar energy dominates electricity production. From the beginning of 2025 through October, data reported by the California Energy Commission (CEC) shows that there have been 259 days when 100% clean energy met or exceeded demand for a portion of the day, exceeding last year’s metrics.
New solar-farm projects are initiated every year in California, aiming to capitalize on solar availability and maximize solar energy production. There are steps you can take at home to contribute to this effort. Use an EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel to capture solar rays and power your household.
Storage Expansion
Solar energy can only be produced when the sun is out, and if excess electricity is not stored correctly, then it’s lost. New utility-scale battery farms installed by utility companies have increased available storage capacity by over 10,000 megawatts (MW) this year. These batteries are significantly larger than those used in single residential home storage options. Shipping container-sized batteries connect directly to the transmission grid to store excess solar energy during the day and discharge it during evening peak hours. An EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus (3072Wh) is perfect for solar storage at home, especially when combined with solar panels.
Clean Energy Milestones and Coal Phase-Out
SB 100, the 100% Clean Energy Act, was signed in 2018 to require that 100% of all retail electricity sold in California and electricity procured to serve state agencies come from renewable energy and zero-carbon sources by the end of 2045. The key milestones in the bill include 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2026, 60% by 2030, and 100% by 2045. To make this happen, several agencies have to work together: CEC, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Before SB 100 was passed, California had already eliminated coal from its electricity portfolio. There are no coal-fired plants in operation in the state, and coal power is no longer imported. Previously, the state was purchasing coal power from neighboring states. This is a huge step as it makes California entirely dependent on natural gas and renewable resources for electricity generation.
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Policy and Investment Driving Progress
Funding and Programs
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIB) is the most critical program for energy storage. This program offers rebates for the installation of energy storage systems, particularly when paired with solar, in homes and businesses. It’s equity-based, meaning low-income households could receive a rebate covering 100% of the costs. The SGIB makes whole-home generators accessible for everyone in the state.
To reach the required SB 100 goals, the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) funds research and development. EPIC focuses on research in areas such as grid reliability, renewable energy innovation (including next-gen solar), energy storage development (such as improving long-term storage), decarbonization technologies, and microgrid accessibility.
Infrastructure & Planning
The biggest hurdle in meeting the SB 100 milestones by 2045 is scaling energy generation and storage, as it requires huge build-outs of new facilities. The CPUC, CEC, and other agencies are collaborating to ensure that resources, such as generation and storage facilities, are sufficient. The CPUC has approved 50,000 mW of energy storage that must be added by 2045. They are also working to upgrade transmission lines to get electricity where it's needed. Many of these facilities will be hundreds of miles away from where the demand is, and reliable transmission lines are required to move energy where it’s needed.
Economic Impact and Jobs
Not only has the initiative for 100% clean energy positively impacted the environment, but it has also had a positive impact on the economy. The building of energy generation and storage facilities has contributed billions to the state economy. Thousands of construction, engineering, and operational jobs have been created through this process, with solar and battery-storage installation among the fastest-growing job categories in the state.
Additionally, with rising electricity prices, reliance on renewable energy sources can lower utility bills, leaving more money for Californians at the end of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does California Get Most of Its Energy?
Currently, renewable energy remains the most significant contributor to electricity, particularly during evenings and periods of high demand. Renewable sources are rapidly growing, with solar by far the largest option. Wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and nuclear are also contributing sources.
What Is the Target of Battery Storage in California?
The current target is to have 50,000 MW of added battery storage by 2045. The closer target is in 2030, where 8,000 MW is required. However, California has already exceeded that goal by building 10,000 MW of grid battery storage.
What Is the 33% Rule in Solar Panels?
This rule refers to the limit in conversion efficiency for single-junction silicone solar cells. From the Shockley-Queisser limit, silicon-based solar cells are limited to 33% conversion efficiency because of silicon’s bandgap. Silicon cannot convert all wavelengths of sunlight into electricity. The lost energy is converted to heat.
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Everyday Reliability: 100% Clean Energy Days
While California has made significant progress toward achieving completely clean energy sources, further work is needed to reach its goal by 2045. California is a national leader in solar and battery storage, with plans to expand its generation and storage facilities. Policies like the SGIB encourage homeowners and businesses to install battery storage and solar panels with rebate incentives. In conjunction with the state’s plan for expansion and grid upgrades, taking action at home can make a significant difference.
Start today with solar panels like the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel. Hook them directly into your home or backup battery system for reliable solar energy.