Solar power generation is unstable and discontinuous

Does aggregation affect the intermittency of solar power generation?

The aim of this article is to address the fundamental scientific question on how the intermittency of solar power generation is affected by aggregation, which is of great interest in the wider power and energy community and would have profound impacts on the solar energy integration into the energy supply and Net-Zero Implementation.

How unstable is solar energy?

Notably, the instability of solar energy resources varies across regions, with the Yangtze River Basin and the southeast coastal areas experiencing greater instability compared to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Northwest China, Inner Mongolia, and other regions.

What are the disadvantages of solar energy?

Solar energy aligns with many policy objectives (clean air, poverty alleviation, energy security 54 ). It also has disadvantages for some of the players involved, as it leads to rapid economic and industrial change. Solar and wind power have a low energy density compared to alternatives.

Will extreme solar energy abnormal events affect photovoltaic power generation?

In addition to the expected periodic fluctuations, extreme unexpected solar energy abnormal events will cause a stronger risky impact on photovoltaic power generation, which deserves more attention in energy safety.

What is intermittency of solar energy?

It is well recognized internationally that the intermittency of solar energy is a fundamental technical/economic barrier which limits the penetration level of solar power in the energy supply.

What are the technical challenges with solar and wind generation?

One of main technical challenges with the use of solar and wind generation is that both are reliant on intermittent natural sources of energy that are independent of load demand or control of the grid operator . Integration of intermittent power generation sources can potentially impact the power system negatively .