Solar Curtailment 101

Source: Grid Operator Quarterly | Published 2025-11-14 | author: Lin Park

When solar output exceeds local demand, grid operators traditionally "curtail" — instructing solar farms to reduce production. This wastes clean energy. In 2024, California's CAISO curtailed 3.2 TWh of solar.

Operators are increasingly pivoting to active management: shifting loads, charging batteries, and exporting to neighboring regions instead of curtailing.