Definition
Large solar power plants (typically 1 MW to 500+ MW) that sell electricity directly to the utility grid. Utility-scale solar costs $0.70-$1.20/watt -- far less than residential -- due to economies of scale. These projects power hundreds of thousands of homes.
Related Solar Terms
- Photovoltaic (PV)
The technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconduc...
- Kilowatt (kW)
A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts. Residential solar systems are t...
- Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
A unit of electrical energy equal to one kilowatt of power sustained for one hou...
- Net Metering
A billing arrangement where excess solar electricity sent to the grid earns cred...
- Inverter
A device that converts the DC (direct current) electricity produced by solar pan...
Understanding solar terminology helps you communicate more effectively with installers and evaluate quotes accurately. Use our solar cost database to find fair prices for any solar service.