Duck Curve – Explaining the Mismatch Between Solar Generation and Demand

With advancements in technology and a focus on renewable energy sources, solar power has transitioned from a niche to a mainstream source of energy production. The grid is beginning to rely more on solar power, but this has raised a fundamental issue.

Solar power is intermittent, and supply is focused during daylight hours. Demand, however, is high during the evening. This mismatch between solar generation and demand is known as the duck curve.

A Day in the Life of Solar Power Generation

The so-called ‘duck curve’ is a graphical representation of a typical day in the life of solar power. It represents the challenge of balancing supply and demand in power grids with a high proportion of solar power. High demand in the evening, when sunlight is low or non-existent, creates a problem. This evening ramp-up in power demand, when supply is low, can put a significant strain on the grid, potentially leading to power outages and blackouts.

Morning: In the morning, during the first hours of daylight, solar energy production is high, but demand is low.

Afternoon: Solar power is at its highest point of generation. Demand remains low, creating the flat duck’s belly on the graph.

Evening: As the sun sets, solar power decreases, and electricity reaches peak demand, creating a steep upward slope to the curve.

Why The Timing of Energy Generation Matters

Solar power output is directly linked to the amount of sunlight available. When solar energy was less prevalent, this intermittent power fluctuation had a minimal impact, as solar power accounted for only a small portion of total power generation.

However, as the world continues to invest in solar power, it is becoming increasingly integrated into the electric power grid. Grid operators must manage the impact of load and availability and ramp up generation from other sources during the evening.

Many businesses have harnessed the benefits of solar power by installing rooftop solar systems, enabling them to become less dependent on the grid. However, solar energy systems were not designed to provide a two-way energy flow, but rather a one-directional supply and demand scenario.

For commercial power, this is a significant issue; most businesses rely on a steady and reliable supply of electricity 24/7 to operate effectively. Finding ways to store solar energy generated is a vital part of achieving energy independence.

Looking to the Future

Looking forward, the duck curve is forecast to become more pronounced. Due to the increasing number of solar panels on the roofs of businesses and households, energy demand from the grid is expected to continue falling during the day.

The curve will be impacted even further as each year we use more electricity at night to cook, charge electric cars and heat the house with an electric heat pump. So the dip will become deeper, and the peak will become higher…

Solutions to the Duck Curve

Solving the duck curve revolves around independent power generation and storage. If households and businesses that install their own solar power systems can also store the energy, pressure on the grid will decrease, and it will become more stable. More energy will be created where it is used, without the need to transport and distribute it via long cables. And excess power can be distributed to those that are unable to install a solar system.

Understanding the daily pattern of solar power generation is crucial for efficient energy management, grid stability and maximising the benefits of solar energy. If your business has invested in a commercial solar panel system, beating the duck curve is operationally critical.

Contact Vital Power to discuss your energy storage needs. We can help you achieve the ultimate in independent power generation.