Meaning of Utility-scale Solar

 

Utility-scale Solar is a popular phrase in the discussion of renewable energy. However, determining the precise definition of the phenomenon can be tricky. A simple approach will state that Utility-scale Solar is the large solar power projects or plants that produce electricity directly for the utility grid. The utility grid then generates the electricity to end customers through power purchase agreements. We must consider the size, location, state policy, voltage, interconnection type, and purchase details of solar power to get a more comprehensive definition.

Different Definitions of Utility-Scale Solar

Solar power is one of the top renewable energy sources. Given its many advantages, a large number of projects are currently operating all over the globe. The continuously reducing solar cost, coupled with the vast solar-plus-storage, will further the development of solar projects to a large extent.

Let’s have a look at the different definitions of Utility-scale Solar and try to build an overall understanding of the same.

Defining Utility-scale Solar Based on Size

Utility-Scale Solar projects are often termed in-front-of-the-meter systems, while Distributed Generation is called a behind-the-meter system. The latter is joined with the energy load of a facility and generates the power directly to the facility. Community Solar can create a challenge in accepting this definition. Although Community Solar links to in-front-of-the-meter and is bigger than a Distributed Generation system, it is not a Utility-Scale Solar. Utility-Scale Solar has been defined variously based on the size of the solar projects. A leading trade group of the US solar industry, The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) considers solar projects generating more than 1 MW of solar energy to be Utility-Scale Solar. On the other hand, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) US has labelled solar projects with 5 MW as Utility-scale Solar. The threshold ranges between 2 MT to 25 MW in some markets.

Defining Utility-scale Solar Based on Wholesale Power Markets

The market design is an essential factor in defining Utility-scale Solar. In regulated power markets, utilities retain and manage all the mediators involved in delivering electricity to homes and businesses from power plants. The utilities and Public Service Commission are responsible for setting deciding markers for Utility-scale Solar. Deregulated power markets treat electricity as any other commodity. These markets are comparatively organised and competitive.

Defining Utility-scale Solar Based on Power Purchase Agreements

Utility-scale Solar power projects require funding that comes from Power Purchase Agreements. The solar project developers come into agreements with utility, industrial, commercial, and institutional customers. The Power Purchase Agreements over the pre-decided period generate the funding. The agreements can span from 12 to 20 years. Power purchasers sign the financial contract in Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPA) and are subject to the differences in the pre-fixed price of solar energy. If the market price at which solar power is finally sold is higher than the pre-fixed price of the VPPA, the power purchasers receive the differences. In case the market price is lower than the VPPA price, the power purchasers pay off the difference.

Types of Utility-scale Solar

Utility-scale Solar is of two types.

• Solar Photovoltaics or Panels: The power plant is built by installing many solar panels.
• Concentrated Solar Power or Thermal: Thousands of helioscopes reflect sunlight onto a central collector.

Solar power is one of the top renewable energy sources. Given its many advantages, a large number of projects are currently operating all over the globe. The continuously reducing solar cost, coupled with the vast solar-plus-storage, will further the development of solar projects to a large extent.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on December 21, 2022.