Reaching Consensus in the Definition of Photovoltaics Capacity Credit in the Usa: A Practical Application of Satellite-Derived Solar Resource Data

This paper describes an ongoing effort to reach consensus on the notion of capacity credit for solar power electrical generation. The paper presents different methodologies quantifying capacity credit and reports on their intercomparison through experimental case studies for three diverse electric utility companies. Satellite-derived solar resource data are used to simulate the site/time specific PV output injected in the selected power grids. The paper concludes by reporting the initial results of a consensus-building effort involving the utility industry, the solar industry, and government.