The Solar Section of the Energy Grid

The above sketch is based on the grid shown in the post An Energy Framework. Solar power is located in Section A of the grid. The electricity generated from solar is either used directly (Section G on in the sketch), or it can be stored for future use (Section C).

Solar power is very intermittent in nature. After all, it is nighttime half the time, and the sun does not always shine during the day. Therefore, the future of solar as an alternative energy source relies heavily on the ability to store the energy that it generates.

The Table below, which is based on the structure presented in An Energy Framework, summarizes the energy properties of solar. It is compared to the properties of diesel fuel.

Table 4.1
Assessment of Alternative Energy Sources

GHG Emissions

Solar has no direct greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it is so important in a decarbonized future. However, vast amounts of fossil fuels will be needed to build and operate the solar farms needed to replace those fossil fuels.

Renewable

Solar is renewable ― at least on a human time scale. It will be billions of years before sun stops shining.

Energy Dense

Solar energy is not dense ― large amounts of land are needed. for the solar panels to generate the amount of energy that we currently obtain from the fossil fuels.

Available

Solar energy is only available half the time (during daylight hours). Even during the day the sun may not be shining.

Dispatchable

Solar power cannot be rapidly cranked up and down in response to short-term changes in demand. It is not dispatchable.