Solar Power Surpasses Natural Gas Generation in California for First Sustained Period

Solar power is surpassing natural gas generation in California, demonstrating the sustained and growing impact of renewable energy in the biggest US market for photovoltaic panels.

Utility-scale solar generation in California exceeded power from gas during 82% of the days this year through May, according to a Tuesday report from the US Energy Information Association.

While solar has supplied more power to the state's grid for short periods in the past, this marks the first year when average generation in the first five months has outpaced the fossil fuel that's the biggest source of US electricity.