Photovoltaics can add capacity to the utility grid

摘要

This brochure, produced by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, identifies locations in the United States where photovoltaics (PV) can significantly contribute to a utility's capacity. The value of PV is greatest when PV power output most closely matches the utility's load requirements. The effective load-carrying capacity (ELCC) is therefore defined as the ability of a power generator to effectively contribute to utility capacity, or system output, to meet load requirements. A study of hourly load data for 40 utilities was used to determine the distribution of PV ELCC across the United States. Summarized results show that ELCC is not related to overall solar energy output, but is highly correlated with load-shape (summer to winter peak load ratio) characteristics. Generally, areas of high PV ELCC are associated with regions that have intense summer heat waves, high daytime commercial demand, and small electric heating demand.