Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) found by combining wind and solar power, renewable energy can meet peak energy demands. Parts of the country, including Texas and California could benefit the most.

“A better blending of solar and wind power, combined with a way to store excess energy, should increase the use of renewable energy,” says Brian Vick, ARS agricultural engineer.

The study from Vick shows the peak energy demand, in places like Texas, is at the time when the least amount of energy is being produced from wind turbines. “At the heights of modern wind turbines, winds are lowest at id-day, when power demands are greatest,” Vick states. “In Texas, there is also a seasonal mismatch. The winds are weakest in the summer, when power demands are highest.”

Solar thermal energy comes into play because it has the most efficient storage system.

Texas is the top production state for wind-generated electricity, with Iowa and California following. California leads in solar-generated electricity production.
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