A solar farm is a large collection of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that absorb energy from the sun, convert it into electricity and send that electricity to the power grid for distribution and consumption by customers like you. Solar farms \u2014 which you\u2019ll sometimes see being called solar parks or photovoltaic power stations \u2014 are usually mounted to the ground instead of rooftops and come in all shapes and sizes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Solar Farms<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of the tens of thousands of solar panel installations, they can be grouped into two types of solar farms, both based on size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utility-scale<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community solar<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utility-Scale Solar Power<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First and foremost, the phrase \u201cutility-scale\u201d can be a bit misleading. Technically, all solar energy projects \u2014 whether it\u2019s a few rooftop panels or a whole acre of them \u2014 are \u201con the grid\u201d providing the local utility company with solar-powered electricity. The only time a solar energy project is not truly utility-scale is when it\u2019s completely disconnected from the grid and not connected through a power line. This is almost never the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But for our purposes and most discussions of this nature, utility-scale solar farms refer to those massive areas of land where solar panels stretch beyond the horizon. Such installations consist of hundreds of thousands of solar panels that absorb energy from the sun, generate an electric current and distribute that power on high-voltage power lines. The electricity travels along those power lines to the electricity grid, eventually making its way to your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These facilities,typically operate on power purchase agreements, wherein businesses agree to purchase a specific amount of electricity either from the utility or the generator. They also operate through other means, such as tax equity investments, a fancy term you can learn more about in our solar for business article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s just one side of the solar farm coin! The other consists of the thousands of smaller-scale farms the industry refers to as community solar or solar gardens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community Solar Farms<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community solar farms are small-scale solar facilities that generate around 5 MW of electricity for a local community of homes and businesses. The power is shared among everyone who participates in the program. Depending on the number of residents and the amount of production, the residents could get a reduction in their electricity bill for investing in this solar project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The solar panels are installed in a large, open area of the neighborhood that receives maximum exposure to sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The solar energy gets fed into the larger electricity grid for the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People who joined the solar program will see their energy bill adjusted for the amount of energy generated in relation to the size of their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is possible with technology called \u201cvirtual net metering.\u201d Your retail energy company will credit your bill for the amount of electricity your community solar farm generates in proportion to your home\u2019s energy load. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community solar also differs from utility-scale solar because it\u2019s considered distributed energy or distributed generation resource (DER). The electricity produced by the community solar farm is used to power the homes within a close range. Thus, they\u2019re less likely to lose power if the grid goes down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, electricity made by utility-scale solar farms can travel for miles and miles until it reaches its destination, be it your home or business. Ultimately, both have unique benefits that move the solar industry forward!
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For more info regarding deploying large capacity solar plants mails us at :- info@anandcap.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A solar farm is a large collection of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that absorb energy from the sun, convert it into electricity and send that electricity to the power grid for distribution and consumption by customers like you. Solar farms \u2014 which you\u2019ll sometimes see being called solar parks or photovoltaic power stations \u2014 are …<\/p>\n