Look What Today's Eclipse Did to German Solar Power Output
This chart shows what happens to solar when the moon blocks out the sun.
Watch the Solar Eclipse in Less Than a Minute
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While sun watchers across Europe thrilled at the chance to experience a rare solar eclipse on Friday, energy companies suffered through some nervous moments. Solar power generators in Germany were unsure about how the sudden disappearance and then reappearance of the sun in the middle of a workday would effect the grid. On some days, solar power provides 40% of Germany's electricity.
Things turned out fine, with only a brief surge in the cost of electricity. Other energy sources were able to compensate without significant complications.