Current:Home > MarketsDarkness from April's eclipse will briefly impact solar power in its path. What to know.-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Darkness from April's eclipse will briefly impact solar power in its path. What to know.
lotradecoin regulatory compliance overview View Date:2024-12-26 05:28:09
The path of April's total solar eclipse will be so dark that Texas electric grid managers are forecasting a sudden, brief drop in solar power as the eclipse crosses the state, but experts say there's no need to worry.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has predicted the eclipse will reduce solar generation's maximum output to less than 10% of what it would be capable of if the sky was clear, but that other sources of energy can compensate for the dip.
It's a sign of how powerful the darkness will be as the awesome event unfolds, but it isn't particularly concerning to energy experts. Every energy technology we use comes with tradeoffs, said Melissa Lott of Columbia University's Climate School, and that includes solar power.
Substantial problems during the April 8 solar eclipse will not be part of that tradeoff, added Lott, a professor and senior director of research at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs Center on Global Energy Policy. Here's why:
Experts say the April 2024 eclipse won't disrupt the US power grid
Lott, who said she's been fielding calls from concerned friends and relatives who rely on solar power, is happy to reassure energy consumers that even those in the eclipse's path of totality – an arc from Texas to Maine across the United States – won't notice much of a difference as other power sources, like natural gas or hydropower, are tapped by utility companies to make up for the temporary loss of solar power.
What time is the solar eclipse?Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide
"We know the path it's going to take. We have really good information to predict how long it's going to last," said Lott. "The people who run (power) grids can compensate because they know what to expect."
Unlike a natural disaster or sudden weather emergency, utility companies can prepare for an eclipse with a path, timing and duration that are certain, Lott said.
A 2017 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory traced the impact of a total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 of that year, looking at grid operations across 14 Western states, British Columbia and northern Baja California.
"The 2017 total solar eclipse came and went without causing any issues to the operation of the North American electric power system," the study concluded.
Umbraphiles on the move:Totally into totality: Eclipse lovers will travel anywhere to chase shadows on April 8
"What was predicted (ahead of the 2017 eclipse) versus what happened was pretty dead-on," said Lott.
Will the eclipse cause problems for people with solar panels?
There's a specific, and highly unlikely, scenario where homeowners would see their power briefly impacted: They would have to be disconnected from a traditional power grid, fully rely on solar power and be in the path of totality.
A prime viewing place:For these extreme eclipse chasers, there's one place to be April 8: Mexico
Given that, Lott said the eclipse isn't cause for concern.
So enjoy the eclipse: Listen for the sounds of the birds and insects, feel the change in outdoor temperatures, gaze in wonder (safely, with the proper eyewear) at the celestial show.
veryGood! (66)
Related
- Andrew Shue's Sister Elisabeth Shares Rare Update on His Life Amid Marilee Fiebig Romance
- Feel Like the MVP With Michael Strahan's Top Health & Wellness Amazon Picks
- Klaus Teuber, creator behind popular Catan board game, dies at age 70
- Instagram Debuts New Safety Settings For Teenagers
- Austin Dillon loses automatic playoff berth for actions in crash-filled NASCAR win
- Olympians Are Dominating TikTok. Here's How To Follow Along
- Several killed in Palestinian terror attacks in West Bank and Tel Aviv, as Israel strikes Hamas targets in Lebanon and Gaza
- 2 men shot and killed near beach in Mexican resort of Acapulco
- Get 70% Off Kate Spade, 70% Off Coach, 40% Off Banana Republic, 40% Off Disney & Today's Top Deals
- Elevate Your Wardrobe With These Jaw-Dropping Banana Republic Deals
Ranking
- Walmart boosts its outlook for 2024 with bargains proving a powerful lure for the inflation weary
- A Look at All the Celeb Couples Who Had to Work Together After Breaking Up
- Nordstrom Rack's Epic Spring Clearance Sale Has $128 Free People Tops for $24 & More 90% Off Deals
- Dalai Lama, Tibetan spiritual leader, apologizes for asking boy to suck his tongue
- How you can get a free scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins Wednesday
- Here's how to rethink your relationship with social media
- Check Out the Most Surprising Celeb Transformations of the Week
- Here's how to rethink your relationship with social media
Recommendation
-
Don't be fooled by the name and packaging: Fruit snacks are rarely good for you. Here's why.
-
Instagram Accidentally Blocked Elaine Thompson-Herah For Posting Her Own Sprint Wins
-
Geocaching While Black: Outdoor Pastime Reveals Racism And Bias
-
French President Emmanuel Macron turns to China's Xi Jinping to push for Russia-Ukraine peace talks
-
Walmart boosts its outlook for 2024 with bargains proving a powerful lure for the inflation weary
-
China conducting military drills near Taiwan, says they serve as a stern warning
-
Federal Trade Commission Refiles Suit Accusing Facebook Of Illegal Monopoly
-
The FBI Keeps Using Clues From Volunteer Sleuths To Find The Jan. 6 Capitol Rioters