Solar grid-connected power generation wholesale

Do grid-connected power sources provide a consistent electricity supply?

Grid-connected, distributed generation sources such as rooftop PV and small wind turbines have substantial potential to provide electricity with little impact on land, air pollution, or CO2 emissions. However, these technolo-gies do not provide all of the characteristics necessary for a consistent electricity supply.

How does a generator grid work?

This regional elec-tric load is then met by the output of a fleet of generators that can be controlled and managed for optimal perfor-mance. In part, the grid was developed to allow generators to provide backup to each other and share load.

How much solar energy is produced in the United States?

In fact, about one-third of solar energy in the United States is produced by small-scale solar, such as rooftop installations. Household solar installations are called behind-the-meter solar; the meter measures how much electricity a consumer buys from a utility.

How will der change the electric grid?

One way the electric bill is determined is through net metering, where utilities calculate the total power generated by the customer’s solar system and subtract it from the total power the customer consumes. Customers are credited for the amount of power they supply to the grid. DER could fundamentally change the way the electric grid works.

What are utility-scale solar and wind power plants?

Utility-scale solar and wind power plants are conceptually similar to conventional generators— they generate electricity where the necessary resources are located, typically in remote areas where the fuel (sunlight or wind) is most abundant.

Are solar PV & CSP a peaking generator?

Although they do not meet the rapid response requirements of peaking generators, solar PV and CSP generation coincide with summer demand peaks caused by air-conditioning loads, especially in the sunny southwest. With sufficient thermal energy storage, CSP plants can run as baseload generators.