The myth that solar farms are useless in darkness has been debunked after a trial found they can help balance the grid at night
Lightsource BP, which led the trial, revealed that solar inverters can provide reactive power – the ability to maintain voltage levels on electricity transmission systems – by reducing or increasing voltage levels even at night.
National Grid ESO claimed utilising solar in this way could boost capacity on the network without costly infrastructure upgrades. Lightsource BP estimated such a move would save UK energy customers £400m by 2050.
“We have proven that solar plants can play a larger role across the electricity network – even at night,” said Kareen Boutonnat, Lightsource BP chief operating officer. “Our team continue to develop and support this project.”
Image: American Public Power Association
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