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A copula-based wind-solar complementarity coefficient: Case study of two clean energy bases, China

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  • Meng, Jinyu
  • Dong, Zengchuan
  • Zhu, Shengnan

Abstract

Studying the complementarity between wind and solar energy is crucial for optimizing the use of these renewable resources. Multi-energy compensation systems need to consider multiple metrics, and current research relies on the correlation of single metrics to study this complementarity. A measure of wind-solar complementarity coefficient R is proposed in this paper. Utilizes the copula function to settle the Spearman and Kendall correlation coefficients combined with the fluctuation coefficient to measure the wind-solar complementarity from multiple indicators. Taking China's two clean energy bases as a case study, the wind and solar energy complementarity was analyzed. The results show that most regions exhibit good complementarity. Spatially, the complementarity coefficients of most areas are generally between 0.4 and 0.6. Analysis of digital elevation models indicates that high complementarity coefficients are primarily found in basins or plains at lower elevations. This information is valuable for effectively utilizing wind and solar resources in the region and provides a solid foundation for energy planning and management.

Suggested Citation

  • Meng, Jinyu & Dong, Zengchuan & Zhu, Shengnan, 2025. "A copula-based wind-solar complementarity coefficient: Case study of two clean energy bases, China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 318(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:318:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225005468
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134904
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