The claim that solar plants require 100% fossil fuel backup is outdated. Thanks to advancements in energy storage, grid flexibility, and integration with other renewable sources, solar energy is increasingly reliable and does not depend entirely on fossil fuels for backup. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, technologies such as sodium-ion batteries and improved utility-scale storage are making solar more reliable without fossil fuel dependence.(1)Solar energy’s intermittency can be effectively managed with energy storage solutions and complementary renewable sources like wind. Many solar projects now incorporate storage technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, which allow excess energy to be stored and used when the sun isn’t shining. Berkeley Lab highlights the rapid adoption of energy storage, which strengthens solar’s reliability.(2) Additionally, a combination of solar, wind, and storage can meet substantial electricity demands without full fossil fuel backup.(3)States like California and Texas have demonstrated the success of large-scale solar adoption. By 2022, solar provided nearly 20% of California’s electricity, with a reduction in natural gas reliance to 47.5%.(4) California’s grid remains stable and reliable despite its growing dependence on solar.(4) Texas also benefited from solar energy during a 2023 heatwave, helping the state avoid power shortages.(5)