California has one of the most ambitious renewable energy targets in the world, targeting 33 per cent by 2020 and flagging a possible 50 per cent target by 2030.
These graphs – sourced from French-based analyst and consultant Bernard Chabot via Renewables International – give a glimpse of what that might look like.
The graphs are for the month of April – spring in the northern hemisphere. The first shows the maximum share of wind and solar (both PV and solar thermal) in the state in a single day in April.
While the second graph shows the share of wind and solar and other renewables for the day. It averages out at around 33 per cent – the state target for the year in 2020.
The next graph shows the day with maximum solar power. Interestingly, it corresponded with the day of minimum wind. But the output of solar PV and solar thermal was pretty consistent across the month. Go to the original document to see more graphs.
