The California wildfires are raising the risk of more electric-power blackouts because smoke and ash particles can block sunlight and settle on solar photovoltaic panels. California politicians have mandated that 60 percent of the state’s power must come from renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent by 2045. Renewables like solar and wind, however, only provide intermittent generation, despite their accounting for about a third of the state’s electricity. California has been shuttering its nuclear and natural gas plants that can provide power 24/7 and ramp up when demand surges or the output of renewable sources declines. As a result, California is starting to experience power shortages when the sun sets or its solar panels are shaded by clouds or smoke.
