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NEW DELHI: The United States experienced a significant drop in its energy production as Monday’s solar eclipse blocked sunlight to solar panels across the country. The US Energy Information Administration reported that solar energy generators, which provide a combined 84.8 gigawatts (GW) of energy, faced partial or total obstruction from the eclipse.The Schneider Capital Group LLC projected a substantial energy shortfall, estimating a loss of approximately 30 GW during the eclipse, equivalent to the output of 30 nuclear reactors.
Texas bears the brunt
Texas, a state with a heavy reliance on solar power as its second-largest energy producer, was the hardest hit, suffering an estimated loss of around 17 GW. “Texas will lose the most solar generating capacity because most of the state is in the path that will lose 90%-99% of solar power during the eclipse,” explained the EIA in a statement released last Friday.
Comparing eclipse impacts
This eclipse’s impact surpassed the energy loss of the 2017 eclipse, as the nation’s solar infrastructure has significantly expanded since then. The Northeast faced a deficit of 4.8 GW, while the Midwest lost 4 GW.
Political repercussions
As per a report in the Washington Examiner, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) seized on the eclipse-related energy shortfall to highlight what he considers the inherent unreliability of solar power. “The US will lose more than 30 gigawatts of solar energy during today’s total eclipse,” Barrasso stated. “A good reminder the sun doesn’t always shine and solar power alone is not enough. But don’t worry, WY oil, gas & coal producers will continue to step up to keep the lights on across America.”
Millions mesmerised
Meanwhile, a crisp darkness descended upon North America on Monday as the total solar eclipse made a swift journey across the continent, captivating those who were positioned under clear skies to witness the rare event.
As daylight waned to an eerie twilight, street lamps lit up and celestial bodies became visible, with the moon cloaking the sun momentarily from coast to coast. The natural phenomenon elicited a symphony of reactions—canines voiced their bewilderment, amphibians vocalized in confusion, and some humans were moved to tears, swept up in the wave of eclipse excitement that seized Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The eclipse was visible, at least in part, to almost all residents of North America, contingent on the weather.
This event marked the most significant eclipse viewership in the continent’s history, with an estimated couple hundred million people situated within or adjacent to the path of the moon’s shadow, joined by numerous visitors who traveled just for the eclipse experience. Given that the next transcontinental eclipse won’t occur for another 21 years, there was a sense of urgency to experience this celestial phenomenon.
(With inputs from agencies)
Texas bears the brunt
Texas, a state with a heavy reliance on solar power as its second-largest energy producer, was the hardest hit, suffering an estimated loss of around 17 GW. “Texas will lose the most solar generating capacity because most of the state is in the path that will lose 90%-99% of solar power during the eclipse,” explained the EIA in a statement released last Friday.
Comparing eclipse impacts
This eclipse’s impact surpassed the energy loss of the 2017 eclipse, as the nation’s solar infrastructure has significantly expanded since then. The Northeast faced a deficit of 4.8 GW, while the Midwest lost 4 GW.
Political repercussions
As per a report in the Washington Examiner, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) seized on the eclipse-related energy shortfall to highlight what he considers the inherent unreliability of solar power. “The US will lose more than 30 gigawatts of solar energy during today’s total eclipse,” Barrasso stated. “A good reminder the sun doesn’t always shine and solar power alone is not enough. But don’t worry, WY oil, gas & coal producers will continue to step up to keep the lights on across America.”
Millions mesmerised
Meanwhile, a crisp darkness descended upon North America on Monday as the total solar eclipse made a swift journey across the continent, captivating those who were positioned under clear skies to witness the rare event.
As daylight waned to an eerie twilight, street lamps lit up and celestial bodies became visible, with the moon cloaking the sun momentarily from coast to coast. The natural phenomenon elicited a symphony of reactions—canines voiced their bewilderment, amphibians vocalized in confusion, and some humans were moved to tears, swept up in the wave of eclipse excitement that seized Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The eclipse was visible, at least in part, to almost all residents of North America, contingent on the weather.
This event marked the most significant eclipse viewership in the continent’s history, with an estimated couple hundred million people situated within or adjacent to the path of the moon’s shadow, joined by numerous visitors who traveled just for the eclipse experience. Given that the next transcontinental eclipse won’t occur for another 21 years, there was a sense of urgency to experience this celestial phenomenon.
(With inputs from agencies)
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