Is offsite solar better than onsite solar?

Regardless of the exact method, participating in offsite solar can have upsides similar to onsite. While both offsite and onsite options offer project structuring with no upfront installation costs and provide renewable energy at a fixed cost, the two system types ultimately can offer their own distinct benefits.

How do offsite solar systems work?

Offsite solar systems can be managed through an offsite or “virtual” PPA (structured much like an onsite PPA), where the developer owns and operates the system and sells the energy to the purchaser at a fixed rate, often lower than the standard utility rate.

Do off-site solar and wind projects work everywhere?

They also don’t work everywhere as solar and wind resource varies from location to location, as well as incentives and rebates. Large energy consumers are increasingly looking to procure their renewable energy from off-site projects.

When is a solar system considered an onsite system?

When a solar system is installed directly on the purchaser’s property, and the renewable energy that it produces is consumed there, it’s considered an onsite system.

Do on-site solar systems work everywhere?

However, many on-site systems simply can’t scale large enough to cover full consumption needs, so they typically only cover a percentage of the facility’s needs, relying on traditional electricity to cover the deficit. They also don’t work everywhere as solar and wind resource varies from location to location, as well as incentives and rebates.

How can on-site solar PV & energy storage improve sustainability?

To achieve sustainability goals while meeting the increasing electricity demands of electrification, organizations are pairing on-site solar PV generation with on-site energy storage. These systems, which are considered as “behind-the-meter” (BTM) systems, allow facilities to maximize the benefits of on-site renewable generation.