In locations where a substantial amount of solar electric capacity has been installed the amount of power that must be generated from sources other than solar or wind displays a rapid increase around sunset and peaks in the mid evening hours producing a graph that resembles the silhouette of a duck.
Duck problem solar panels.
The duck curve graph as it s known in energy circles shows the gap between the total load a utility serves and what that load looks like after wind and solar generation serve some of that load.
The long story is below but the short story is.
This is especially true for places that already have high solar adoption such as california where one day this past march solar contributed nearly 40 of electricity generation in the state for the first time ever.
Net load bottoms out around midday when the sun is strongest the duck s belly.
Solar energy production peaks at mid day and this causes demand for other energy to drop off.
Now unless you are a licensed electrician you should not tamper with the wiring yourself.
With over a dozen solar installations by members on dremc lines it is evident that there is a segment of our membership that is interested in supporting solar and taking advantage of the premium.
Wind and solar are causing havoc with electric grid operations because these technologies cannot be controlled by the operators of the electricity grid due to the fact that their generation depends on the wind blowing and the sun shining.
For many many decades demand for electricity followed.
The duck curve represents a transition point for solar energy.
Oftentimes the problem that prevents your solar panels from performing to the fullest is faulty wiring.
Bird barrier offers a solar panel protection kit to prevent birds from getting under the panels.
Solar power in many energy markets the peak demand occurs after sunset when solar power is no longer available.
Solar energy s duck curve intermittent renewable generating technologies i e.
Some of the things that can interfere with the production of electricity are loose connections as well as corrosion and oxidation.
Researchers in california call this seeming drop in demand the duck curve the more solar energy.
Bird problems and solutions.
In the morning net load falls as more solar power comes online the duck s tail.
Then in the early evening net.