Czechia faces partial eclipse: lower solar output, no blackout risk

The solar eclipse, which will be partially visible in Czechia on Wednesday evening, may reduce electricity generation from photovoltaic power plants. However, it will not in any way jeopardise their overall operation, and as the eclipse will occur in the evening hours, the drop in output will be relatively small. The eclipse will have only a minimal impact on the Czech transmission system. Representatives of ČEPS and the Solar Association told ČTK.

"From the perspective of the Czech transmission system, we expect the impact of this year's eclipse to be minimal," said ČEPS spokeswoman Hana Klímová.

She noted that the partial solar eclipse will occur in Czechia on Wednesday evening, when generation from photovoltaic power plants is already naturally declining. "ČEPS takes similar changes in photovoltaic power plant generation into account when managing the electricity system. The development of photovoltaic generation is continuously monitored and forecast, and any changes in output are reflected in operational planning and in the management of the system itself," Klímová said.

Jan Krčmář, executive director of the Solar Association, made similar comments on the impact of the solar eclipse on photovoltaic generation. According to him, sunlight reaching solar panels is weaker during an eclipse, so power plants generate less electricity at that time. "However, it has no effect whatsoever on their operation, just as when a cloud passes across the sky," Krčmář stressed.

He recalled that Czechia also experienced an eclipse in 2015, when, according to him, there was a large amount of misinformation and myths surrounding photovoltaic generation, as well as warnings of a blackout. However, this did not occur. "Given that this year's eclipse is taking place shortly before sunset, the impact on photovoltaic generation will also be smaller," Krčmář added.

A total eclipse will be visible in Europe, for example in Spain or Iceland. In other parts of the continent, including Czechia, a partial eclipse will be observable.