Report: Solar resources reliable during extreme weather events
As parts of the country brace for and continue to recover from hurricanes, flooding and a new normal, research shows wind and solar resources tend to be available during extreme weather events. Energy experts in Kentucky say the data highlight how installing solar and batteries can help support the state’s shared electric grid.
Josh Bills, a senior energy analyst with the Mountain Association, explained that solar has the advantage of requiring no moving parts, and relies on electrons generated from the sun that rises and sets in a predictable fashion.
“It’s not a centrally located energy resource, a large generator that has to be distributed hundreds of miles through infrastructure, whereas a lot of the wind and solar is much closer to the points of use,” he said.
The analysis shows that certain types of extreme weather are a good fit for renewable sources. For example, a heat wave that triggers a higher grid load from the use of fans and air conditioning also often coincides with bright, sunny days that trigger high levels of solar power. Similarly, a strong wintertime cold front that increases the need for heating also brings strong wind gusts that can power wind generation to meet those needs.
Bills added those who’ve made the shift to solar in the Commonwealth are seeing increased resiliency.
“Here in Kentucky, with the people and businesses and nonprofits that we work with, we see firsthand enterprises benefiting from adding solar to facilities, ” he continued.
The study also found long periods of low wind and sun could in the future be the new “extreme” weather when it comes to the impact on the local renewable power supply.
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