Kathie’s Question: Can renewable energy sources complement each other?

I recently read a few articles, including one in the Star Tribune, that discus incorporating wind and solar power in renewable energy projects.

Wind and solar energy sources aren’t constant, so kind of makes sense right?  But when the wind isn’t blowing you can’t say the sun will be shining with 100% certainty.

Developer Ecos Energy is testing the theory that locating solar photovoltaic systems near wind projects will increase reliability. The company is putting Minnesota’s largest solar array in the middle of its wind-farm region. Ecos Energy and the local utility will be studying their “guinea pig” over the next few years.

GE Energy is planning an experiment of its own by supplying solar modules for a 23-MW solar farm to be installed adjacent to a wind farm in La Salle County, Illinois. This will be the largest solar project in the Midwest.

Although these solar installations aren’t located within the wind farms, there may still be a benefits such as only having to use one connection to the grid.

The results of these installations could be interesting. I’d imagine the benefits of combining wind and solar will vary by region, but I want to know what do you think?