Wind-solar resource complementarity and its combined correlation with electricity load demand

The paper presents analysis of wind and solar data for the same geographical location. The wind speed data taken at ground level are calibrated to evaluate the resource available for a large wind turbine with a hub height of approximate 80m. The correlation of each resource data against the electricity load demand for an entire year is then calculated separately and selected results are documented. The combined availability of wind and solar source against the same electricity demand and the respective correlation are also studied confirming that there is a strong complementarity between the two resources although such level of complementarity depends profoundly upon the location. It is shown that a combined resource can effectively deliver energy to the electricity grid when load demand experiences peaks, hence strengthening the case for further integration of wind and solar sources with the electricity grid. The study used actual weather data reported for the Sydney Airport and electricity load for New South Wales, Australia.