Cost of meeting 100% electricity demand

Generation costs ($ per kwh) to meet 100% CAISO electricity demand using a combination of solar pv, batteries, and gas turbines. Horizontal axis is % electricity supplied by solar panels (either directly or via battery).

Based on CAISO 2024 data for hourly electricity demand and hourly solar capacity factor. Assumes $1100/kw solar PV, $475/kwh battery, and $1000/kw gas turbine capital costs. See Appendix for full cost assumptions.
Chart: Brian Potter Source: Author's calculations