Spatial distribution of an index of impact on solar and wind generation facilities based on meteorological phenomena

Meteorological phenomena may have a positive or negative impact on solar and wind generating facilities. The purpose of this work is to build an impact index that comprises the frequency of occurrence of these phenomena: “Clear Sky”, “fogs”, “Smoke”, “Haze”, “Mist”, “Precipitation”, “Shower” and “Thunderstorms”, weighted each one according to expert’s criteria, for 68 meteorological stations over Cuba and analyze the spatial distribution. The classification is given in five categories, ranging from “very unfavorable” to “very favorable”. Overall it shows that phenomena under study have a greater incidence on solar than on wind facilities, since “clear skies”, “thunderstorms” and “precipitation” have a strong impact, favorable or unfavorable according to the specific phenomenon. “Thunderstorms” are the most influencing phenomenon for wind facilities, with an unfavorable character. The spatial distribution shows favorable zones with regard to solar facilities in the provinces of Pinar del Río, Ciego de Ávila, Camaguey, the north coast of Las Tunas, Holguín and around the Gulf of Guacanayabo, and for wind generators at Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Ciego de Ávila, Camaguey, Las Tunas and the South coast of the Central and Eastern regions.