Solar power has reached another major milestone in the global electricity sector, supplying just over 10% of the world's electricity during the first half of 2026.
According to new analysis from Ember, solar generation has grown rapidly in recent years, nearly doubling its share of global electricity compared with the first half of 2023. Solar generation reached 1,564 terawatt-hours in the first half of 2026, compared with 769 terawatt-hours during the same period in 2023.
However, solar power still faces one major limitation: it is largely dependent on daylight.
During an average day in the first half of 2026, solar supplied more than 25% of global electricity demand between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. But its contribution dropped to almost zero between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
This is where battery storage is becoming increasingly important.
Batteries can store excess electricity generated by solar panels during the day and release it during the evening and other periods when sunlight is unavailable. This allows solar power to become more useful beyond traditional daylight hours.
Global battery additions are expected to reach about 459 GWh in 2026, up from 307 GWh in 2025. Ember estimates that, theoretically, the new battery capacity could shift around 34% of new daily solar generation into non-sunny hours.
The impact is already visible in several markets. In California, solar combined with batteries supplied more than a quarter of electricity demand during the evening peak between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the first half of 2026.
The development is significant because it shows that solar energy is moving beyond being a daytime-only electricity source. With sufficient storage, solar-generated electricity can support demand long after the sun has gone down.
For homes and businesses, the same principle applies on a smaller scale. A well-designed solar system combined with suitable battery storage can capture excess daytime energy and make it available when it is needed later.
As electricity demand continues to grow, the combination of solar generation, battery storage and intelligent energy management is likely to become increasingly important.
The future of solar power is therefore not only about installing more panels. It is also about finding better ways to store, manage and use the electricity they produce.
At Mankorie Global Energy, we provide solar, electrical and energy solutions designed to help homes and businesses make better use of reliable and efficient power.
