---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The value of solar and wind decline in…"
description: "\"The value of solar and wind decline in economic value as they become larger shares of the electricity grid for physical reasons. They produce too much ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e7/michael-shellenberger-7859_electricity_the-value-of-solar-and-wind-decline-in-e_1323384.jpg"
---

#  The value of solar and wind decline in economic value as…

![“The value of solar and wind decline in economic value as they become larger shares of the electricity grid for physical reasons. They produce too much energy when societies don't need it and not enough energy when they do.” quote by Michael Shellenberger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e7/michael-shellenberger-7859_electricity_the-value-of-solar-and-wind-decline-in-e_1323384.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e7/michael-shellenberger-7859_electricity_the-value-of-solar-and-wind-decline-in-e_1323384.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e7/michael-shellenberger-7859_electricity_the-value-of-solar-and-wind-decline-in-e_1323384.jpg)

> “The value of solar and wind decline in economic value as they become larger shares of the electricity grid for physical reasons. They produce too much energy when societies don't need it and not enough energy when they do.”

[Michael Shellenberger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-shellenberger/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

As solar and wind dominate the grid, their marginal economic benefit drops because generation mismatches supply with demand, causing excess at low demand and scarcity at high demand.

**In simple terms:** More solar and wind means less economic value due to supply‑demand mismatch.

Key Takeaway

Plan for flexible storage and demand response.

Themes

energy transition grid integration renewables economics

Mood

concerned analytical

Type

policy technical strategic

When to use this quote

- utility planning
- investment decisions
- policy design
- grid modernization

Key Concepts

merit order effect curtailment capacity factor load balancing

Questions to Reflect On

- How can storage technologies be scaled cost‑effectively?
- What policies encourage demand‑side flexibility?

A Different Perspective

Without storage or flexible demand, renewable growth can increase costs and reliability risks.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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