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The United States Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) addressed timing issues associated with wind and solar projects in a discussion titled:
New Wind and Solar Power Projects Tend to Come Online at the End of the Year (“Article”)
The EIA Article states that new electricity generating capacity is typically brought online throughout the year.
Nevertheless, the Article concludes that the most significant month for both onshore wind and solar photovoltaic (“PV”) capacity additions in the United States is December. The Article further notes:
Over the past nine years (2010-2018), 43% of all onshore wind capacity and 33% of all solar PV capacity has been added in December. U.S. wind and solar capacities receive a production tax credit (PTC) and an investment tax credit (ITC), respectively, which may provide incentives to come online at the end of the year.
In contrast, it is noted that capacity additions for other technologies in the United States are evenly distributed throughout the year.
A copy of the Article can be found here.