On January 28, just about one third of the energy demand in Texas came from solar power for five hours. The sun was able to break two records in Texas in one day. Around 10:00 am 15,000 megawatts of solar power hit the Texas transmission lines. At the peak of the day, around 3:00, is when the solar power really took effect. Powering just about 36 percent of the electricity demand in Texas. The sun was able to break two records in Texas in one day.
The reason behind the sudden spike in solar power in Texas is a result of the growth in solar plants. Texas also managed to pass California in the state producing the most amount of solar energy. About five years ago, solar became cheaper than wind, so Texas decided building a lot of solar plants.
Although solar is a great, renewable energy source, there are some challenges to be faced in Texas. Close to 9 percent of solar power produced was cut down because of the lack of high-voltage transmission lines and energy storage. Solar energy is highly dependent on the weather. If it is a cloudy day, than solar plants will be unable to bring in as much energy. Despite these challenges, solar has a lot of potential, especially in places like Texas.
RELATED ARTICLES:
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=57100
https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/business/renewableenergy-report.pdf
TAKE ACTION:
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/renewable-energy
