What is the optimum ratio of solar and wind?

We often get asked what the ‘optimum’ ratio of solar and wind is for a large scale renewables project. The answer is that it is dependent on a number of factors, including the following key items:

– Site Location: the quantity and timing of wind generation in particular is very sensitive to location. Design and equipment selection will also have an impact, although not as much as location.
– Target Load / Capacity Factor: ‘Always on’ might seem like the most efficient use of a grid connection or electrolyser, but the optimum figure is lower than this, and again dependent on the location and how well the solar and wind resources compliment each other. In cases where a specific load shape is needed, other options such as grid supply, storage and other generation sources need to be considered.
– Energy Prices: Whether you are trying to sell to the market or reduce your purchases from it (or both), when you buy or sell electricity is important. It is also important to consider how the average price and cost curve might change over time.

There are many other factors to consider when adding renewable energy to a new or existing site, but these items tend to be the most influential. Incite Energy specialises in optimising renewable energy developments to the unique needs of each client. You can read an overview of our capabilities and projects on our website https://incite.energy/ and contact us at connect@incite.energy