As Solar Cycle 25 Reaches Peak, ERCOT Adds 3.8 GW of Solar Power
How Will Solar Cycle 25 Impact Texas? While Texas installed more 3.8 GW of solar power this year, its grid could be hit flares and disruptions as this solar cycle reaches its peak. Learn how space weather affects your Texas electricity. Texas has seen a big boost in solar this year. ERCOT added 3.8 gigawatts of new solar capacity . That extra power helps meet daytime demand and makes the grid cleaner. For homeowners, it also gives more choices when doing an energy comparison for a new plan. But there is a catch. The sun that drives these gains is entering a busy phase known as Solar Cycle 25. That makes space weather more active, which can affect satellites and the power grid here on Earth. What Is Solar Cycle 25? Solar Cycle 25 began around 2019. Scientists now expect it to peak in 2025 or 2026. During a peak, the sun produces more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These bursts can send charged particles toward Earth. When storms arrive, they can produce colo...