California Hits 51 Percent Solar Power for Entire Month

California became the first major economy to generate over 50% of its electricity from solar power for an entire month.

In May, solar panels produced 51% of California’s electricity, surpassing the halfway mark globally for the first time. This milestone reflects a structural shift in the energy mix, driven by the state’s expanded battery storage capacity that supports higher solar use throughout the day.

California’s battery storage capacity has grown to 16 gigawatts, up from just 61 megawatts a decade ago, enabling the state to shift solar power to evening hours and meet over one-quarter of its electricity demand at night. Solar consistently outproduced natural gas in every month of 2026 leading up to May. Data from the California Independent System Operator and the think tank Ember confirms this unprecedented achievement, which also includes contributions from both large-scale solar installations and rooftop arrays.

More months exceeding 50% solar generation are expected soon, with other states and countries anticipated to follow.

For Montana’s business community, this development could indicate the increasing viability of solar power combined with large-scale storage, even outside traditionally sunny regions. Montana’s wide-open spaces and growing interest in renewable infrastructure might offer opportunities to mirror parts of California’s approach.

California was mostly solar-powered in May — a global first
By @CanaryMediaInc, Canary Media