Solar Power: Distributed Generation vs. Central Generation
If you have been paying attention to the headlines in solar power news lately then you have probably heard the term "distributed generation" quite a bit. That's because there is a big push right now for a lot of these projects to go through. This is in contrast to larger solar plants, also known as central generation solar projects, which are facing a tough time getting passed in many areas. So what does this all mean?
Basically there are two different types of solar power projects. First there are central generation solar projects (which are large projects). The project itself tends to be located relatively far away from the area where the power is used. When you talk about solar power plants that are generating thousands of megawatts of power then you are talking about central generation. On the other hand, distributed generation solar projects are smaller-scale projects that are located close to the place where the power is going to be used. Solar farms on the roofs of the buildings that are using the solar power are examples of distributed generation projects.
It's often tough to get central generation projects off of the ground. They are costly, for one thing. Plus there are a lot of regulations that must be considered when applying to establish one of these solar projects. In contrast, it's a lot easier for many distributed generation projects to take off. The lower cost, the proximity to the location of use and the need for fewer regulations makes these projects reasonable and realistic. This is particularly true right now when solar panels and other small-scale solar products have become highly affordable due to the way that the recession has shifted the solar economy.
Examples of new distributed generation solar projects that were recently approved include:
- PG&E plans to install ground-based photovoltaic arrays close to electrical substations. This is approximately a 500-megawatt Northern California project.
- The Edison program in Southern California has received approval to install 500 megawatts of solar power onto commercial rooftop locations.
- The New York Power Authority has approved a plan to install approximately 100 megawatts of solar power arrays in various locations.
These examples show how distributed generation solar power can be used in small areas in important ways! Although central generation power is important, too, it's not the only way to get solar to become a more prevalent renewable resource in our society.
Source: http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/a-boon-in-smaller-distributed-solar-projects/
Publish Date: 2010-02-05 14:01:43
Solar Energy Articles