Excess electricity
Why unregulated solar generation is becoming a problem
Lion Hirth
Today, solar energy is star of power system transformation across many European countries. In Germany, solar generation increased more than all other renewable energy sources combined during the first half of 2024. This is reason to applaud, since we need vast amounts of solar PV for decarbonization. However, the way we (not) integrate solar energy into power markets gives rise for concerns. Most solar generators feed electricity into the grid regardless of electricity demand. This is not only a concern because it inflates the costs of support scheme, but may cause operational trouble in situations of excess electricity.