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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, , vol. 37(1), pages 123-152, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:37:y:2016:i:1:p:123-152
    DOI: 10.5547/01956574.37.1.rsch
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schmidt, J. & Lehecka, G. & Gass, V. & Schmid, E., 2013. "Where the wind blows: Assessing the effect of fixed and premium based feed-in tariffs on the spatial diversification of wind turbines," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 269-276.
    2. Huang, Junling & Lu, Xi & McElroy, Michael B., 2014. "Meteorologically defined limits to reduction in the variability of outputs from a coupled wind farm system in the Central US," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 331-340.
    3. Richard Schmalensee, 2012. "Evaluating Policies to Increase Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy," Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 6(1), pages 45-64.
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    Cited by:

    1. Oliver, Matthew E. & Chapman, Oliver & Grijalva, Santiago & Matisoff, Daniel C. & Ramadhani, Maghfira & West, Amanda, 2026. "Managing zero-marginal-cost, intermittent renewable energy: A survey of the engineering, economic, and policy challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PC).
    2. Melita Van Steenberghe & Marten Ovaere, 2025. "Market Inefficiencies in Renewable Support Policies: Evidence from Offshore Wind Contracts for Difference in Great Britain," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 25/1124, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

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