What support technologies are important to the development of solar energy? What is this smart grid?

Photo credit: http://www.tiptoplifestyle.com/3-simple-ways-use-solar-energy-day-day-lives-rtr/

The sun doesn't shine at night. This can't be changed overnight. While it is possible to design systems that can handle variations in solar (or wind) energy without batteries or other forms of energy storage, in order to simplify systems and even out this supply, it would be beneficial to be able to store energy cheaply. Several weeks ago, we talked about duck curves. These curves describe the variations in load throughout the day. Check out this article from the Motley Fool about different supporting technologies that can help with energy storage, such as Li-ion batteries, hydrogen, liquid air, and flow batteries!

Other technologies that you might not think about are the technologies associated with the smart grid. The term "smart grid" refers to technologies that are used to automate and allow for the remote control of power distribution systems. This should allow energy from renewable sources to be re-routed in ways that allow the energy to be more efficiently used, quickly responding to changes in energy supply and demand. Most solar (and wind) plants are located far from urban centers where most electricity is used.

Other related technologies depend on type of solar cell and the process used to make them. Just as the drive for lower-power, smaller, and cheaper microprocessors necessitated advances in photolithography, vacuum science, and materials deposition technologies, advances in solar technologies, which, themselves piggybacked off microprocessor manufacture, will likely drive further innovation and the advancement of different processing technologies.

How do I know if solar energy is competitive with other energy sources in my region? How do I predict the associated costs?

Excellent question. Solar energy (and renewable energy, in general) has become competitive in many markets around the world, including in some parts of the U.S. NREL has developed a website where you can check if solar energy is competitive in your area. Also, many installers will provide energy audits so you can know what to expect.

What are duck curves? What do ducks have to do with solar energy?

Source: http://2greenenergy.com/2015/04/14/demand-for-energy-storage-in-a-changing-world/

When do you need the most energy? You probably don't need much when you are sleeping (which is why many do laundry at night, it can be cheaper). You probably need more when you first get home from work or school, when you turn your air conditioner on (or turn it up, or even, naturally, as you get into the heat of the day). Solar cells produce most of their energy during the day when the sun is shining. Distributed systems like wind power also have this issue, although they produce the most energy at different times of day.
A duck curve shows the net electrical load as a function of time. This is used by utilities to determine how much additional power needs to be produced to meet demand. The "duck" shape is obtained because solar energy produces most of its energy during the day, reducing the net load.