Power Reliability Explained: How Solar & Storage Contribute to Grid Resilience

In this episode of Good Energy, Kevin Lucas, SEIA’s Vice President of Policy Analysis, explains the ins and outs of America’s power grid and solar and storage’s distinct role within this complex system. Lucas begins with an explanation of baseload power, which is a generation facility that operates at a set capacity. Baseload power is insufficient for running the grid because it is inflexible to respond during periods of peak energy usage. Renewables like solar may vary in generating capacity depending on location, but it also has zero marginal cost for each unit of electricity harnessed. The grid works best when there are multiple energy sources that can meet both baseload and flexible demands.

When considering predictability, utility planners have to consider both the long-term and day-to-day needs of the grid. Weather forecasts become more accurate closer to real time, which allows grid operators to generally predict the amount of solar energy they may be able to deploy a few days in advance.

The recent Spanish blackout sparked a large conversation on whether solar can be relied upon for the grid. Lucas emphasizes that a definitive answer will only emerge once the grid operators finish analyzing the situation. However, it is likely that the cause of the blackout was not a lack of generation from solar but instead a calibration error with how the different energy resources were being managed.

Turning to the United States, Lucas points out that Spain does not have the energy storage infrastructure of the United States. Battery storage is equipped to respond to grid imbalances instantaneously, which has assisted both California and Texas in maintaining a reliable grid. Lucas warns that a backtracking in America’s solar growth will hurt the country’s ideal energy mix.

From in-depth interviews with industry leaders to insightful discussions on the rapid growth of solar and storage in the United States, Good Energy connects you with the heartbeat of the solar industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the future of energy, tune in to stay informed and inspired about the bright future of solar. Listen to full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.