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The Performance of U.S. Wind and Solar Generators

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  • Richard Schmalensee

Abstract

Using data on hourly outputs and spot prices for a sample 25 wind and nine solar generating plants covering all seven U.S. ISOs for 2011 and up to 12 adjacent months, this study examines capacity factors, average output values, and several aspects of intermittency. Most performance measures studied vary substantially within and between ISOs, and some vary substantially over time. Implications for research, market design, and policies to support renewable generation are briefly discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Schmalensee, 2016. "The Performance of U.S. Wind and Solar Generators," The Energy Journal, International Association for Energy Economics, vol. 0(Number 1).
    • Handle: RePEc:aen:journl:ej37-1-schmalensee
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Aldy, Joseph & Gerarden, Todd & Sweeney, Richard, 2018. "Investment versus Output Subsidies: Implications of Alternative Incentives for Wind Energy," Working Paper Series rwp18-012, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    2. Herath, N. & Tyner, W.E., 2019. "Intended and unintended consequences of US renewable energy policies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    3. Romeiro, Diogo Lisbona & Almeida, Edmar Luiz Fagundes de & Losekann, Luciano, 2020. "Systemic value of electricity sources – What we can learn from the Brazilian experience?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    4. Jose A. Guajardo, 2018. "Third-Party Ownership Business Models and the Operational Performance of Solar Energy Systems," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 20(4), pages 788-800, October.

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