Sacramento, California — In a pivotal advancement for clean energy, California has officially achieved a major milestone: solar power generation has now surpassed natural gas in the state’s electricity mix. The development marks a defining moment in California’s transition to renewable energy and cements its reputation as a national leader in climate action.
According to recent reports from energy monitoring agencies, solar power accounted for a larger share of California’s grid electricity than natural gas for the first time in the state’s history. This shift is attributed to both an increase in solar installations and a decline in natural gas usage. On particularly sunny days, solar power has met nearly 100% of the state’s electricity demand, showcasing the reliability and scalability of renewable energy when properly supported by infrastructure.
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which oversees the state’s power grid, reported that solar generation in early 2025 surged nearly 34% compared to the previous year. This dramatic increase reflects both a rise in utility-scale solar farms and growing adoption of rooftop solar by residents and businesses. By contrast, electricity generated from natural gas declined by over 28%, signaling a major realignment in the state’s energy sources.
State officials hailed the achievement as a result of long-term policy planning and investment. “California’s leadership on clean energy is not an accident—it’s the product of bold goals, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to our climate future,” said Governor Gavin Newsom in a public statement. “This milestone proves we can power our economy with renewable sources while protecting the health of our communities.”
The state’s climate laws have played a critical role in shaping this outcome. Senate Bill 100, passed in 2018, set ambitious targets to transition California to 100% clean electricity by 2045, with interim goals of 90% by 2035 and 95% by 2040. Progress toward these benchmarks has accelerated in recent years, with both public and private sectors investing heavily in solar, wind, and energy storage technologies.
Environmental groups also celebrated the shift. Laura Deehan, state director for Environment California, called the milestone a “turning point” in California’s climate journey. “This shows that with the right policies and public will, we can move away from polluting fossil fuels and toward a cleaner, healthier energy future.”
One of the most significant enablers of this transition has been the expansion of energy storage. California has ramped up battery capacity across the grid, with battery output increasing nearly 80% year-over-year. These batteries help store excess solar energy during peak sunlight hours and release it when demand is high or sunlight is scarce, making solar a more dependable source of baseload power.
While the news is encouraging, experts caution that the state must continue addressing challenges related to intermittency and grid modernization. The variability of solar and wind energy requires a resilient, flexible grid system. Moreover, recent changes to net metering policies—such as reduced compensation rates for rooftop solar customers—could slow down individual solar adoption if not carefully managed.
Utility companies are also adjusting to the new landscape. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and other major utilities have begun investing in large-scale battery systems and grid upgrades to better integrate renewables. However, they have also faced criticism for lobbying against more generous rooftop solar incentives.
Looking ahead, California’s energy strategy includes increasing offshore wind capacity, expanding community solar programs, and fostering local energy resilience through microgrids. Policymakers are also focusing on equitable access to clean energy, ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged communities benefit from the renewable transition.
The broader implications of this milestone extend beyond state lines. California’s progress serves as a model for other states and countries striving to decarbonize their energy systems. With the U.S. federal government also pushing for nationwide clean energy targets, the Golden State’s leadership may provide a roadmap for achieving ambitious climate goals.
As the global urgency around climate change continues to grow, California’s clean energy breakthrough offers a powerful example of how innovation, policy, and public engagement can drive meaningful change.
For more on this story, visit Axios.
