Technicians prepare for impact of solar power loss on electricity grids as moon passes between solar panels and the sun but power supply unlikely to be affected
The loss of solar power generation during Friday’s eclipse will be an unprecedented test for the European grid but is very unlikely to cause problems for electricity users, according to electricity providers in the UK and Europe.
If the weather is clear on Friday morning the European grid will suddenly lose the equivalent generation of eight to ten very large coal power plants as the moon passes between solar panels and the sun. The loss of generation will occur over a much shorter period than it takes to get dark at night. The eclipse will cover about 85% of the sun from the centre of the viewing zone.