Distributed Energy is a method of generating electricity from multiple small energy sources at or very near to where the electricity is actually used. This is the most efficient, reliable and sustainable method of energy generation and distribution. Rooftop and small ground based solar systems ARE distributed generation.
The old paradigm (centralized distribution) was big, polluting, centralized power systems which transmit power over hundreds of kilometers on high voltage wires, It has become clear, however, that this method of power creation and distribution is inefficient, as electricity is lost in huge amounts during the transmission process and any interruption of this transmission can cause catastrophic effects (think North Eastern black out 2003)
In contrast, a distributed energy system involves small amounts of generation located on a utility’s distribution system (solar on your roof for instance) for the purpose of meeting local peak loads and/or displacing the need to build additional local distribution lines. It’s more efficient, responsive, reliable, stable and generally more democratic.
E*Gen focuses on solar distributed energy because it is the most efficient use of solar energy. The best resource we have come across to describe the benefits distributed generation is here: www.smallisprofitable.org
Distributed Generation
Why Small is Profitable
Distributed Energy is a method of generating electricity from multiple small energy sources at or very near to where the electricity is actually used. This is the most efficient, reliable and sustainable method of energy generation and distribution. Rooftop and small ground based solar systems ARE distributed generation.
The old paradigm (centralized distribution) was big, polluting, centralized power systems which transmit power over hundreds of kilometers on high voltage wires, It has become clear, however, that this method of power creation and distribution is inefficient, as electricity is lost in huge amounts during the transmission process and any interruption of this transmission can cause catastrophic effects (think North Eastern black out 2003)
In contrast, a distributed energy system involves small amounts of generation located on a utility’s distribution system (solar on your roof for instance) for the purpose of meeting local peak loads and/or displacing the need to build additional local distribution lines. It’s more efficient, responsive, reliable, stable and generally more democratic.
E*Gen focuses on solar distributed energy because it is the most efficient use of solar energy. The best resource we have come across to describe the benefits distributed generation is here: www.smallisprofitable.org