Solar eclipse will send solar generation plunging

Wed 12 Aug, 09:25

From Octopus: “While the moon is blocking the sun, solar generation will plummet at the same time as home energy demand spikes. By powering down together in Saving Sessions like this one [they are offering free energy this weekend as an incentive], we can help take the strain off the grid and avoid the need to switch on extra fossil fuels.”

Wed 12 Aug, 08:44

Am I missing something here. We have had weeks of unprecedented sunshine and the minute the sun goes in for a few minutes, people are going to get charged more for their electric???? Please enlighten me.

Wed 12 Aug, 07:26

Southill Solar has been powering away in these sunny weeks along with solar plants all over the UK. The eclipse will cut the sun for several minutes with loss of generation. Wholesale power prices will peak between 6 and 7pm. This may affect those on variable tariffs as gas fired power stations are brought on. Prices of 50 or 60p per unit are predicted. If you can just lower your demand by switching off as much as possible, you will be helping the power system and your own pocket.