The Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 in Honduras: Evidence of the impact on the power system operation

Abstract

During the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, the Honduras's electric power grid operation experienced changes. In this work, evidence of impact on power generation was found. Although the eclipse in the country was partial, with only 28.9% of photosphere's darkening, operation of the electrical power system was affected, mainly because of 409 MW photovoltaic power are installed in the country's power system. It is equivalent to approximately 17% of installed generation capacity. Hence, an over cost due to re dispatch of power generation during the solar eclipse was found. Due to the results, it is noted that the coming eclipses will have a greater impact on the operation of the power system of Honduras and Central America, due to the increase of non-conventional, solar and wind, renewable energy in Honduras and the rest of the region.