Can The World Run On Sunshine

In the US, California generates 68,816 gigawatt-hours and Texas generates 31,739 gigawatt-hours from solar. With the amount of solar-based electricity generated in one year, it is estimated that California could power San Francisco for 13 years, and Texas could power Austin for 2 and a half years. However, the development of solar power in these two states are facing vastly different political climates.

California has enthusiastically embraced solar energy to become the nation's leader in solar production, perhaps due to its deeply rooted environmental policies and historical crises. Both of which have highlighted the need for renewable energy sources. The state's journey toward solar supremacy began during the energy crises of the 1970s, which exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on fossil fuels. The state's sunny climate, combined with its technological and economic capacity to support large-scale solar projects, further catalyzed the solar energy boom.

Leading with its ambitious Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) released in 2018, which mandated a transition to 100% zero-carbon and renewable energy by 2045, the Golden state has embraced comprehensive and structural changes to its energy system, emphasizing decarbonization through extensive investments in utility-scale solar and wind projects, alongside enhancing grid reliability and capacity. The framework is clearly designed to address environmental justice and equity, with an acute focus on solar energy.

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