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The country's solar power grid is a leading the world when it comes to renewable energy, but the upcoming eclipse poses unique challenges

Solar eclipse puts Germany's power grid to the test


Sunday, March 15, 2015, 1:34 PM - March 20 is looking to be an eventful day as it's not only the first day of spring but also the next expected solar eclipse.

While many people will (carefully) look to the sky to witness the event, one country in particular is paying special attention. Germany's electrical grid has a high reliance on solar power—a quality that will be tested when the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks much of its light.

The event will cause the grid to feel a sudden drop, followed by a surge in power. The changes will have to be balanced by Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.

Experts are comparing the power shift to 12 power plants being shut down, followed by 19 plants being switched on. The impact is enhanced if it's on a sunny day.

In fact, if the day is overcast the effect of the eclipse is expected to be negligible.

Germany is one of the 'greenest' countries in the world with more than 25 per cent of its electricity coming from a renewable source. They expected raise that to about 80 per cent by 2050.

The upcoming eclipse should provide experts with valuable information as to what to do next to continue their solar power grid growth.


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