In renewable energy systems, what major challenge is associated with high penetration of solar photovoltaic generation on power grids?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. intermittency and the duck curve phenomenon
- Step 1: Solar power generates electricity only during daytime hours, creating mismatch between peak midday generation and evening peak consumption. This net load pattern (the 'duck curve') requires rapid ramping of flexible generation or massive utility-scale battery storage to maintain grid stability. Answer: intermittency and the duck curve phenomenon. Why not the others: "continuous baseline overproduction at night" is physically impossible since solar photovoltaic cells generate zero power without sunlight; "excessive greenhouse gas exhaust stacks" confuses clean solar power generation with fossil fuel thermal power plants; "nuclear radioactive residue buildup" wrongly associates solar photovoltaic technology with nuclear fission waste products.
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