Your co-op employs an “all of the above” strategy, using a balanced, diversified energy mix that includes renewables alongside those dispatchable resources.
June is that glorious month when we enjoy the longest days of the year. In fact, Ohioans get more than 15 hours of sunlight on several days surrounding the summer solstice later this month. In recent years, it’s also been a time when solar power draws significant attention as something that seems like an obvious solution to America’s ever-growing electricity needs.
But even as more electricity is added to the grid from solar resources, it’s important to understand that solar power alone cannot meet our nation’s electricity needs.
On these long, sunny June days, it’s easy to think of the sun as a free and limitless source of energy — powering panels on individual rooftops as well as those at large utility-scale solar farms being built across rural America.
In reality, though, those panels and all the related equipment they require are not free, and sunshine certainly has its limits.
When evaluating the impact of solar power, but especially that of large-scale solar farms, it’s crucial to recognize the need for a power supply that is not only economical and affordable, but also stable and reliable.
Overdependence on any one energy source can lead to grid failures and outages if that source encounters issues. Solar power, for example, is obviously unavailable at night or when it’s cloudy. In contrast, resources such as nuclear, coal, and natural gas are “dispatchable,” meaning they can produce power whenever needed — regardless of the weather or time of day.
So your co-op employs an “all of the above” strategy, using a balanced, diversified energy mix that includes renewables alongside dispatchable resources. That way, we can mitigate the risk of disruptions: If one source fails, others can compensate — with minimal interruption.
The considerations are a bit different when it comes to residential solar. Since we know that many folks consider adding rooftop panels during these long, sunny days, we’re taking a look at some of their specific advantages and disadvantages.
Remember, it’s always advisable to consult with your electric cooperative before making any decisions on home solar that you can’t take back. Those decisions are rarely as simple as they seem, and your member-owned, not-for-profit co-op has your best interest at heart.
