Over the past 12 months, solar power has become California’s largest source of electricity, a trend likely to continue.

“In the 12 months ending April 2025, solar generated 83.1 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, compared to 81.6 TWh from natural gas.”

“Nationally, solar generation continues to climb. In April, solar supplied 10.64% of U.S. electricity for the month (marking the first time the country crossed the 10% mark) and contributed 7.35% of generation over the rolling 12 months. California, by comparison, produced 42% of its electricity from solar at its seasonal peak in April, with May expected to push that figure even higher.”

Good 'ol CA, long-time nation-leader.

  • Miles O'Brien@startrek.websiteEnglish
    0·
    18 hours ago

    I’m so glad the people around me who live nowhere near a field voted to kill field-to-solar projects around here, the factories and warehouses that went up where there used to be lovely views of the hills are much better. All that extra pollution and noise really adds something special to the day.

    • kameecoding@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      10 hours ago

      I am still baffled by big stores not being required to put solar on their vast rooftops and to cover parking lots with Solar, not in the US, but you’d think there was an EU legislation about it

      • kameecoding@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        10 hours ago

        Well after making this comment i have actually looked into it, ofc Europe is leading on this thing

        from google AI overview

        Several European countries are implementing legislation to encourage or mandate the installation of solar panels on parking lots, especially larger ones. This is part of the EU’s push for renewable energy and energy efficiency, making use of parking areas as potential sites for solar generation.

        EU Level:

        • The EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) aims to make zero-emission buildings the standard and requires new buildings to be “solar-ready.”
        • The EPBD promotes solar energy use in buildings and encourages installing solar panels on certain existing non-residential buildings, including parking lots.
        • The EU has set deployment targets for photovoltaics, recognizing parking lots as a key area for development.
        • The EU is also working on a “Solar Standard” to further drive solar adoption in buildings and parking lots.

        National Legislation:

        • France: Requires solar panels on existing and new car parks over 1,500 m², with deadlines for compliance.
        • Slovenia: Introduced requirements for solar panel installation on new parking lots.
        • Greece: Stipulates 60% coverage of large open car parks with solar panels.
        • Germany: Many federal states have made solar panels on car parks a legal obligation.
        • Netherlands: Has large-scale solar carport installations, including one of the world’s largest in Biddinghuizen.
        • Austria: Introducing similar legislation to encourage solarization of parking lots.
        • Spain: Legislation is also encouraging solar panel installations on parking lots.
        • WoodScientist@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          0·
          8 hours ago

          You’re a machine man, with a machine heart and a machine soul. You’ve become a living spam bot. You’re not even human anymore.