The Dawn of 24-Hour Solar Power: How Advancements in Battery Technology are Revolutionizing Clean Energy

Solar Electricity Available Every Hour, Every Day: A Game Changer

Batteries have become affordable enough to fully harness solar energy’s potential, achieving up to 97% of constant electricity supply around the clock in sunny regions, 365 days a year.

**Date: June 21, 2025**
**Read Time: 63 Minutes**
**Authors: Kostantsa Rangelova, Global Electricity Analyst, Ember; Dave Jones, Global Insights Programme Director, Ember**

### Executive Summary

Solar electricity is now highly accessible and, thanks to recent advancements in battery technology, the vision of 24-hour solar generation is within reach. Consistent electricity generation throughout the day and night will unlock solar energy’s full capabilities, enabling greater integration beyond daylight hours and addressing grid limitations.

On the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, continuous daylight allows for ideal solar generation. This concept, once exclusive to areas like the Arctic, is now a reality in sunny regions due to rapid enhancements in battery technology. These improvements have made the prospect of nearly continuous solar power—available every hour of every day—an economic and technical possibility.

Industries such as data centers and manufacturing require a stable power supply, which is increasingly vital as companies pursue carbon-free energy goals through corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Although solar energy is now widely available and affordable, its true value will only be realized when it can provide consistent power to meet the demands of a growing economy, even in times when sunlight isn’t available.

By combining solar panels with adequate storage, the 24-hour solar generation model can deliver a reliable, clean power supply, even in remote areas or regions with unreliable grid access. While this solution may not address every grid-related challenge—since not all locations enjoy sunny weather and electricity demand fluctuates—it offers a pathway for solar power to become a fundamental component of a clean energy system in sunny areas and to expand its role in less sunny regions.

This report examines how close we are to achieving constant solar electricity generation across various cities worldwide and the costs involved.

### Key Takeaways

1. **Feasibility of 24-Hour Solar Generation**: A battery storage capacity of just 17 kWh is sufficient to convert 5 kW of solar panels into a continuous 1 kW of clean power. For instance, in a sunny city like Las Vegas, this combination can provide a steady 1 kW of solar electricity every hour of the day.

2. **Achieving 97% Constant Solar Supply**: In the sunniest cities, it is possible to achieve up to 97% of constant solar electricity supply year-round. While cloudy days may increase the hardware requirements to maintain consistent output, sunny cities can reach more than 90% of this goal. Las Vegas can achieve 97% of a 1 GW constant supply, while Muscat in Oman can reach 99% with 6 GW of solar panels and 17 GWh of battery storage. Even cities with less sun, like Birmingham, can achieve 62% of constant supply.

3. **Cost-Effectiveness in Sunny Cities**: The estimated Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) to achieve 97% constant solar electricity in Las Vegas is approximately $104/MWh, which is 22% lower than estimates from a year prior. This cost is lower than new coal and nuclear options, making solar-plus-storage an economically viable solution.

The advent of 24-hour solar generation signifies a major shift in solar energy’s role within the overall power system. With the capacity to provide electricity around the clock, solar energy can now support continuous clean energy contracts for industries needing uninterrupted power, rather than just daytime supply. This is particularly advantageous for emerging economies, where solar-powered industrial zones can thrive far from existing grid networks.

Moreover, this development could lead to significant savings on grid expansion costs, allowing for much greater solar capacity to be installed without necessitating extensive upgrades to existing infrastructure.

As costs continue to decline and deployment accelerates, solar-plus-storage is becoming the standard model for clean energy in the sunniest regions worldwide, both on and off the grid. However, to fully capitalize on this potential, energy policy must evolve to integrate 24-hour solar generation into planning frameworks, electricity market design, and infrastructure development strategies.

This is a pivotal moment in the clean energy transition. Around-the-clock solar energy is no longer a distant dream but a tangible economic reality that opens transformative opportunities for energy-intensive industries. The advancements in battery costs and performance over the past year mark the beginning of a new era for solar energy. Now, it’s crucial for policy and investment efforts to align accordingly.

**Kostantsa Rangelova**
Global Electricity Analyst, Ember