Lights out Scientists will study effects on solar farms

The eclipse will be watched by millions across the world, but for US scientists it is a rare opportunity to see how solarpowered electricity grids will manage in the shade.

Globally, new solar capacity rose by 50 per cent in 2016, led by growth in China and the US. Scientists are going to use the eclipse to test how the solar grid performs when nearly half are put out of action for up to 2min and 30 sec.

The next eclipse will be in 2024. “If we’re not ready for this, I have no confidence in our system,” said John Moura of the North American Electric Reliability Corp.