Achieving very high PV penetration – The need for an effective electricity remuneration framework and a central role for grid operators

This article proposes that optimally deployed solutions to the intermittency introduced by high penetration solar – e. g., electrical storage, optimized curtailment and demand response – could affordably transform solar power generation into the firm power delivery system modern energy economies require, thereby enabling very high solar penetration and the displacement of conventional power generation. The optimal deployment of these high-penetration-enabling solutions imply the existence of a healthy power grid, and therefore imply a central role for utilities and grid operators.