Recent advancements in battery technology are making 24-hour solar electricity generation a feasible and economically attractive reality, particularly in sunny regions. By combining solar panels and batteries, systems can now achieve near-continuous electricity supply, pushing the limits of renewable energy generation. This capability becomes crucial for industries that require consistent power, amid rising carbon-free energy targets pursued through corporate Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs). In cities like Las Vegas and Muscat, the deployment of solar-plus-storage can provide a stable 1 kW of power for every hour of the day, even when the sun isn’t shining, addressing the intermittency issues traditionally associated with solar power.
The report outlines that while achieving complete constant solar output year-round may be economically unfeasible in cloudy regions, the potential in sunny cities is significant. For instance, cities can reach up to 97% reliability with existing technology at a lower cost than coal and nuclear power. The shift toward 24-hour solar generation offers transformative opportunities for both economically viable clean energy and grid efficiency, particularly in developing economies with poor grid infrastructure. To maximize these benefits, energy policies and investment strategies must evolve to embrace this new paradigm, facilitating extensive solar deployment and helping in the clean energy transition overall.