Solar Power Generation: Distributed vs. Utility Scale

Here’s something to think about: the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth in one hour is greater than the amount we use in an entire year. Solar power generation makes sense in a world concerned with peak oil and environmental turmoil. But how do we make the switch over to renewable solar energy? There are two basic paths to choose from: distributed solar and utility scale solar. Both approach the same issue — how to harness and distribute energy from the sun — in very different ways. Here’s the scoop on each.

Distributed solar

Distributed solar refers to smaller solar photovoltaic or solar thermal systems that generate power on-site. When you see rooftop solar panels, either on homes or commercial buildings, you’re seeing distributed solar power generation at work. The panels provide power to the building they are installed on. Other distributed solar solutions, including ground-mounted solar arrays and solar-covered parking lots, provide power to nearby structures.

Pros: Distributed solar uses space effectively, often without requiring any additional space.  Because the energy does not need to travel far, little energy is lost in transmission. Outages or equipment problems do not affect large populations, and installation has little, if any, impact on local ecosystems.

Cons: The adoption of distributed solar will depend on individual businesses, organizations, and families that choose to go solar. Distributed solar systems produce far less power individually than solar plants.

Utility Scale Solar

Utility scale solar involves centralized energy production through  solar plants capable of generating many megawatts of power. The largest solar power installation is a group of nine solar plants in the Mojave Desert, with a generating capacity of 354 megawatts. Utility scale solar often uses solar thermal energy rather than photovoltaic. Plants require much more space than distributed solar systems and are often located in the desert.

Pros: Utility scale solar generates large amounts of solar energy and enables a faster and larger scale switch to solar energy. Compared to coal plants or hydroelectric power generation, solar uses land more efficiently and can take advantage of spaces unsuitable for human use.

Cons: Utility scale usually requires new transmission lines to be built. In transmission, some energy is inevitably lost, reducing efficiency. Storage and cooling are issues in some plants. There are also ecological concerns over desert habitats.

Want to learn more about solar power generation? Premier Power offers free solar consultations and customized solutions. Come on over!

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