Texas has shattered all previous records for solar power generation, with the ERCOT grid producing an unprecedented 24,818 megawatts in a single week in March 2025. This milestone comes as the state continues its remarkable expansion of renewable energy capacity, adding about 1 gigawatt of solar power per month since March 2024.
Texas’s solar revolution continues with ERCOT hitting a staggering 24,818 megawatts, expanding renewable capacity at an unprecedented gigawatt-per-month pace.
The record-breaking solar output arrived just in time to help meet rising power demand as spring temperatures climbed across the state. Solar provided almost half of peak electricity needs during high-demand days, easing strain on traditional power plants. The unusually warm weather in March created ideal conditions for renewable generation. Experts note that solar power is particularly valuable because it performs best during afternoon hours when electricity use is highest.
Texas now produces nearly twice as much wind and solar electricity as California, cementing its position as the nation’s renewable energy leader. The state added approximately 9,700 megawatts of solar capacity in 2024 alone, with total renewable generating capacity exceeding 57,000 megawatts. This rapid expansion aligns with global trends showing solar PV expected to account for half of demand increases in electricity through 2027.
Battery storage has become an essential part of the state’s energy strategy, reaching nearly 10,000 megawatts by the end of 2024. During March’s record-setting week, batteries discharged 4,833 megawatts, almost matching the output of Texas nuclear plants. The continued growth in utility-scale solar and storage has played a critical role in meeting Texas’s increasing power demand while enhancing grid reliability.
Wind and solar now account for 30% of Texas electricity generation, up from 18% in recent years. This growth is reshaping the state’s traditional energy mix, with renewables increasingly out-competing coal and other fossil fuels on cost.
The Texas energy market design has proven favorable for solar development, with abundant land and business-friendly policies driving rapid installations. While the state has offered incentives for new gas power plants, solar and battery additions continue to outpace other energy sources.
As Texas leads the nation in utility-scale solar capacity, its success is influencing energy discussions nationwide. The state’s experience demonstrates how large-scale solar integration can support grid reliability while meeting growing electricity demands in a rapidly expanding economy.
References
- https://poweralliance.org/2025/03/19/texas-broke-its-solar-wind-and-battery-records-in-one-spring-week/
- https://seia.org/research-resources/2025-a-new-strategy-for-solar-energy-policy-in-texas/
- https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=TX
- https://cleantechnica.com/2025/03/10/renewables-set-new-records-in-texas/
- https://businessintexas.com/blog/texas-leads-us-renewable-energy-growth/
