Upcoming Solar Eclipse Poses Challenge for Power Grids as Solar Supply Swiftly Drops

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th will cause a major drop in solar power production across parts of the U.S., testing the resilience of power grids.

Grid operators like ERCOT in Texas and MISO in the Midwest are running simulations and bringing more reserve power online to prepare for the swift drop and rise in solar power.

Keeping supply and demand balanced is tricky during an eclipse because solar power falls and ramps up faster than during normal sunrises/sunsets.

Ordinary power users likely won't notice anything different during the eclipse, but some utilities may have to scramble to secure extra electricity.

Managing the intermittency and growth of renewable energy while meeting rising electricity demand will require careful planning to avoid blackouts as the grid comes under increasing stress.