Author Question: Compare a utility solar system with a residential or small commercial system. What are important ... (Read 47 times)

HudsonKB16 · **on:** Jul 26, 2018

Compare a utility solar system with a residential or small commercial system. What are important differences in the types of systems for each?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Contrast applications for a stand-alone solar electric system that does not require a battery backup with applications that do need a battery backup.

What will be an ideal response?

Carliemb17 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 26, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A utility solar system can take advantage of economies of scale. For PV systems, a utility can supplement solar when it is unavailable with other generating methods, avoiding the need for battery backup (usually). Solar towers are not practical for small installations but are limited to utilities due to their sheer size and expense. Solar towers have the advantage of being able to provide energy when there is no solar input by using the heat stored in molten salts.

Answer to Question 2

In cases where battery backup is not required, the system can be constructed cheaper and will have less maintenance issues. Batteries may be necessary for an emergency backup when utility service goes down.