The state of California has achieved a new electricity generation
peak record for utility-scale solar energy, according to recent reports.
The new record of 6.391 gigawatts (alternating current, not direct
current) was achieved on August 20, 2015, according to California’s grid
operator. This figure refers to both utility-scale solar photovoltaic
(PV) projects and concentrating solar power (CSP) projects.
While the 6.391 GW figure includes both utility-scale solar PV and
CSP projects, it doesn’t include the output of distributed solar energy
system output (so-called “behind-the-meter” electricity generation). GTM
Research has previously estimated a figure of 3.2 GW of total
distributed solar system capacity in California for Quarter 1, 2015 —
so, assuming that’s correct, and that peak generation sometimes
approaches peak capacity for distributed, then the total peak figure
could actually be as much as 50% higher.
The recent peak figure follows earlier records of 6.299 GW and 6.16
GW; set on July 13 and June 7, respectively, as well as numerous new
records set over the last month and a half. These new records follow a
fairly rapid solar energy buildout in recent days, as part of the
state’s renewable energy growth goals.
Note that these records just keep being set, and we reported on the August 2014 4.813 GW and October 2014 4.903 GW solar records. You can see how fast solar is growing in California! As the goals of the incumbent governor (Governor Jerry Brown) call
for the Pacific state to receive at least 50% of its electricity via
renewable energy resources by the year 2030, the constant flow of new
records are encouraging.
With regard to the recent record on August 20, the state’s grid
operator noted that, while solar and wind energy generation shifted the
peak in the net load by a few hours, this rise was relatively smooth,
with wind energy output rising as solar energy generation faded.
http://cleantechnica.com/2015/08/29/california-achieves-new-utility-scale-solar-energy-generation-peak-6-931-gw/
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