Power shortage solar power generation system

Are solar power shortages a problem?

The use of solar power is growing rapidly, especially in developing regions in the tropics, as countries work toward meeting carbon neutrality goals. But according to new research, solar power use is also accompanied by solar power shortages, or “droughts,” when demand exceeds supply for at least 3 days.

Why is solar power a problem?

More communities are relying on solar power as a source of renewable energy, but increasing demand and climate change threaten its reliability. Solar power droughts can be driven by weather extremes such as clouds, rain, and extreme heat, as well as light-blocking pollution and periods of extremely high demand.

What causes solar power droughts?

This increase in rate is responsible for 29% of the weather-driven solar droughts that occurred during the 30-year period. Solar power droughts are driven by a combination of soaring temperatures that increase demand for cooling and inclement weather or light-blocking pollution that suppresses power generation, the researchers found.

Does low solar power cause a power deficit?

Only under the high cooling energy demand (e.g., during heatwaves) does relatively low solar power generation become critical and easily trigger a power deficit, at least at the local level (Scoccimarro et al., 2023; van Ruijven et al., 2019).

Why is low solar power a problem?

Low solar power generation typically becomes a problem during periods of high cooling demand—precisely when power is most needed to keep people comfortable and safe. The researchers also modeled how the frequency and severity of solar power droughts could change under different emissions scenarios, assuming modern infrastructure.

How many solar power droughts are there per year?

Over that time, the western United States, eastern Brazil, southeastern Asia, and much of Africa each experienced at least five solar power droughts per year, and solar power droughts increased at a rate of 0.76 additional shortage per decade.