In March, monthly electricity generation from wind and solar sources exceeded 10 percent of all generation for the first time, the Energy Information Administration reported.
On an annual basis, wind and solar accounted for seven percent of total generation in 2016.
Wind and solar generation follow seasonal patterns that reflect the availability of wind and sunshine in different geographic areas. Wind units operating in Texas, Oklahoma and nearby areas generally experience their highest output in the spring, while wind generators in California reach their peak in the summer.
Solar output is highest in the summer regardless of location due to the length of daylight. About half of all utility-scale solar plants feature sun-tracking technology to improve their output.
The EIA predicts wind and solar will exceed 10 percent of U.S. generation in April, then fall below 10 percent in the summer months. In past years, wind and solar reach their highest levels in the spring or fall, which are also times of low electricity demand.
Texas accounted for the largest share of wind and solar electricity generation, as Texas generates more wind power than any other state. As a share of total electricity generation, wind and solar output was highest in Iowa with a combined 37 percent of electrical generation.
Most states feature more wind generation than solar, though California and Arizona had more solar than wind last year.
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