The US could Save $5.6B a year if it Switched from Coal to Solar – study

Just replace Coal ones with Renewables.
Easier said then done.

Wind energy provides a growing share of electricity in the United States, particularly in certain states and regions, but its supply is inherently intermittent due to weather patterns. In 2023, wind energy contributed 10.1% of the total electricity generation in the US, making it the largest source of renewable electricity. Its supply is affected by wind speed and direction, which fluctuate constantly.

Key aspects of wind's electricity supply profile:
  • Intermittency:
    Wind turbines generate electricity when the wind is blowing, and the amount of electricity produced varies with wind speed. This means wind power supply is not always consistent and can be difficult to predict precisely.

  • Capacity Factor:
    Wind farms typically have a capacity factor of around 30-40%, meaning they operate at a percentage of their maximum potential capacity due to wind variability.

  • Regional Concentration:
    Wind energy is not evenly distributed across the US. Some states, like Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma, have significantly higher wind power capacity and generation than others, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

  • Integration Challenges:
    Managing the variability of wind power requires careful grid planning and integration with other energy sources, including energy storage and flexible generation.
 
Easier said then done.

Wind energy provides a growing share of electricity in the United States, particularly in certain states and regions, but its supply is inherently intermittent due to weather patterns. In 2023, wind energy contributed 10.1% of the total electricity generation in the US, making it the largest source of renewable electricity. Its supply is affected by wind speed and direction, which fluctuate constantly.

Key aspects of wind's electricity supply profile:
  • Intermittency:
    Wind turbines generate electricity when the wind is blowing, and the amount of electricity produced varies with wind speed. This means wind power supply is not always consistent and can be difficult to predict precisely.

  • Capacity Factor:
    Wind farms typically have a capacity factor of around 30-40%, meaning they operate at a percentage of their maximum potential capacity due to wind variability.

  • Regional Concentration:
    Wind energy is not evenly distributed across the US. Some states, like Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma, have significantly higher wind power capacity and generation than others, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

  • Integration Challenges:
    Managing the variability of wind power requires careful grid planning and integration with other energy sources, including energy storage and flexible generation.
1. You Dishonestly just googled "wind," not "renewables" I posted/you quoted, or "Solar" in the OP!
You are incapable of debate/Can't Speak English.

2. The topic is only replacing Coal, (16% of current generation) not everything/anything else. Solar is already replacing coal.
So some intermittency is OK. (not to mention improvements in storage gradually narrowing it)

3. Your posts are Incoherent and/or Dishonest.

4. You lost again because YOU can't speak English and are Wrong in your opinions.

Have a good rest of the weekend.

`
 
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1. You Dishonestly just googled "wind," not "renewables" I posted/you quoted, or "Solar" in the OP!
You are incapable of debate/Can't Speak English.

2. The topic is only replacing Coal, (16% of current generation) not everything/anything else. Solar is already replacing coal.
So some intermittency is OK. (not to mention improvements in storage gradually narrowing it)

3. Your posts are Incoherent and/or Dishonest.

4. You lost again because YOU can't speak English and are Wrong in your opinions.

Have a good rest of the weekend.

`
There was nothing dishonest, ya jackwagon. Both solar and wind are intermittent producers and have the same obstacles.

Solar energy's electricity supply profile is characterized by its dependence on sunlight, leading to daily and seasonal variations in output. While solar panels are reliable and can last for decades, their output fluctuates based on factors like time of day, weather conditions, and geographic location.

Here's a more detailed look:

Key Characteristics:
  • Diurnal Variation:
    Solar output is highest during daylight hours, peaking around solar noon, and is minimal or non-existent at night.

  • Seasonal Variation:
    Solar production varies with the seasons, with higher output in summer months and lower output in winter, especially in regions with significant seasonal changes in daylight hours.

  • Weather Dependency:
    Clouds, rain, snow, and other weather conditions can significantly reduce or block sunlight, impacting the amount of electricity generated.

  • Geographic Location:
    Solar resources vary by location. Some regions have more consistent sunlight and higher solar potential than others.


  • Intermittency:
    The variability and unpredictability of sunlight make solar power an intermittent resource, meaning it is not always available when needed.
Impact on Electricity Supply:
 
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