06/05/2026
What happens when solar energy reaches massive scale?
A major milestone in California highlights the growing power of distributed solar energy. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) recently announced that more than 1 million customer-owned solar systems are now connected to its grid—the highest number for any U.S. utility and a testament to the rapid adoption of clean energy.
The achievement reflects how solar has evolved from a niche technology into a key pillar of the modern energy system. Homes, businesses, schools, and farms are increasingly generating their own clean electricity, reducing emissions while strengthening energy resilience.
The next chapter is solar-plus-storage. Through Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), thousands of customer-owned solar and battery systems can work together to support grid reliability during peak demand. A recent large-scale demonstration delivered 535 MW of electricity, showcasing the potential of decentralized energy resources.
Solar is no longer just generating power—it is helping shape a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future.
/PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced that it has surpassed 1 million customers with solar systems connected to its electric...