The complementarity between wind and solar resources is considered one of the factors that restrict the utilization of intermittent renewable power sources such as these, but the traditional complementarity ass.
Are wind and solar energy resources complementary in China?
The results reveal that wind energy and solar energy resources in China undergo large interannual fluctuations and show significant spatial heterogeneity. At the same time, according to the complementarity of wind and solar resources, over half of China's regions are suitable for the complementary development of resources.
To this end, we propose a novel variation-based complementarity metrics system based on the description of series' fluctuation characteristics from quantitative and contoured dimensions. From this, the complementarity between wind and solar resources in China is assessed, and the trend and persistence are tested.
Monforti et al. assessed the complementarity between wind and solar resources in Italy through Pearson correlation analysis and found that their complementarity can favourably support their integration into the energy system. Jurasz et al. simulated the operation of wind-solar HES for 86 locations in Poland.
Are wind and solar energy resources complementary?
Finally, we also strive to harmonize regions where wind and solar resources are less complementary by introducing hydro-energy resources. The results reveal that wind energy and solar energy resources in China undergo large interannual fluctuations and show significant spatial heterogeneity.
Which regions in China have a strong complementarity with wind and solar resources?
Generally, the wind and solar resources in China have a gratifying complementarity. Moreover, the regions rich in wind and solar resources usually show this strong complementarity, such as Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, western Jilin, and western Heilongjiang.
However, for the regions with relatively poor wind and solar resources, such as central Tibet, eastern Sichuan, western Yunnan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Guangxi, the complementarity is relatively weak.