Time Is Energy

Controlling Solar PV

If a utility could control how much power they get from a solar PV array, would they invest?

I’m aware that one of the major objections cited by non-solar enthusiasts (I must admit I’ve never actually met a solar opponent!) is the lack of control over the output from a PV array. This issue is sometimes called "intermittency".

If a PV owner were able to turn a knob and (basically at will) adjust the amount of energy produced by 10% of the total capacity (up or down), would that make a difference?

What if they could adjust up/down by 20%?

Is there a point (and what would it be?) where utilities would feel comfortable in investing in solar PV arrays?

I know a way to do just what I’m suggesting. Will it change how utilities view solar?

posted by Daniel @ 2:20 PM