Utility Scale

Utility-Scale refers to a large scale that is generated through photovoltaic(PV) power and concentration solar power ( CSP). Utility-scale has a number of factors including size, location, interconnection type and voltage, state policy.

The work of  Utility-Scale is based on generating solar power and feeds it into the grid which is decided on a power purchase agreement (PPA) within the guaranteed fixed period. The power purchase agreement ( PPA ) which means power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement that is arranged for the design, permitting, financing, and installation of a solar energy system on a customer’s property at little to no cost and as creates for a fixed period around 10 to 25 years.

Generally, Utility Scale has a  storage capacity around the range of a few megawatt-hours ( MWh) to hundreds of MWh. The Utility Scale Installation depends on geographic location because the power produced at utility solar arrays is either sold to wholesale utility buyers through a power purchase agreement (PPA).

The  Utility-scale solar from distributed generation is both project size and the fact that the electricity is sold to wholesale utility buyers, not end-use consumers. Utility-scale solar plants provide the benefit of fixed-priced electricity during peak demand periods when electricity from fossil fuels is the most expensive.

PV Vs CSP

Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly to electricity by means of PV cells made of semiconductor materials. Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems concentrate the sun’s energy using reflective devices such as troughs or mirror panels to produce heat that is then used to generate electricity.

Importance of Utility-scale –

Stabilizes electric prices – Utility-scale solar has been generating reliable, clean electricity with a stable fuel price. It stabilizes the electric prices around 10 to 30 years while the power generated from solar is far more predictable than fossil fuel costs which fluctuate frequently. It offered great economic, grid reliability, and sustainability.

Utility-scale battery storage -Utility-scale batteries are stationary batteries that can be connected to a distribution /transmission network or power generation. It can be combined with battery storage to store all generated power for distribution. It also increases the value of solar.