Singapore Faces Solar Power Challenges Amid Tropical Storms
In tropical cities like Singapore, the reliability of solar power is challenged by frequent afternoon thunderstorms. These storms cause sudden drops in solar photovoltaic (PV) output, leading to temporary blackouts in neighborhoods heavily reliant on solar energy. Markus Schläpfer, a civil engineer at Columbia Engineering, has identified this issue as significant for urban areas transitioning to solar energy. The traditional approach to managing solar intermittency involves expanding grid infrastructure, which is costly and complex in densely populated areas. Schläpfer's research proposes using electric vehicles (EVs) as mobile batteries to stabilize the urban solar energy supply during these disruptions. EVs can discharge stored power to the grid when solar generation dips, reducing the strain on transmission systems and mitigating supply shortfalls. 
