--- description: The main goal of utility-scale solar power is to connect to the power grid and sell the generated electricity directly to the local company. title: What is Utility Scale Solar? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/JAN23-What-is-Utility-Scale-Solar.jpg --- [ Close Menu ](#) * [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) * [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) * [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) * [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) * [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) * [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) * [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) * [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) * [Language](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg)English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg)English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is Utility Scale Solar? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot%5Fclark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![JAN23 What is Utility Scale Solar](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/JAN23-What-is-Utility-Scale-Solar-1024x683.jpg "What is Utility Scale Solar?") The size of a solar project usually determines what is meant by “utility-scale solar.”A solar project is typically classified as utility-scale when it **generates a minimum of 10 megawatts (MW) of energy.** For example, the panda-shaped solar farm in Datong, China. The project covers 250 acres of land and produces 100 MW of solar energy. This amount can replace around 1 million tons of coal over the next 25 years. It also refers to a solar project if the nameplate has a capacity of 1 million watts or 1 megawatt (MW), or has a solar energy capacity of at least 5 MW. Some institutions may require an even greater solar capacity, such as 20 MW. The main goal of utility-scale solar power is to **connect to the power grid and effectively sell the generated electricity** directly to the local utility company. **Also See**: [In 2023 China Solar Power Capacity could potentially achieve Record Growth](https://energytheory.com/in-2023-china-solar-power-capacity-could-potentially-achieve-record-growth/) ### **Utility-Scale Solar Project Participants** The companies that purchase the generated power are commonly referred to as “off-takers”. They play a crucial role in the energy market. Other groups considered as participants in this are as follows: * Contractors and installers * Local government agencies * Project developers and EPCs (engineering, procurement, construction) * Project financiers * Solar and energy storage equipment manufacturers * Solar project owners ### **Benefits of Utility Scale Solar** It provides greater flexibility compared to rooftop solar. While rooftop solar is often limited in terms of where it can be installed, [large-scale projects](https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/large-scale-solar-siting) are situated in optimal locations with maximum sun exposure. By expanding the project’s size, utility-scale projects offer the incredible **advantage of incorporating battery storage.** This revolutionary feature empowers us to generate electricity regardless of weather conditions, making it a truly reliable and sustainable solution. By significantly expanding the utility-scale capacity, governments are essentially constructing the massive infrastructure required to replace current coal and natural gas power plants. These plants are not only generating excessive carbon emissions but also polluting our planet. **Also See**: [What is Unbundling?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-unbundling/) Share. [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-utility-scale-solar%2F "Share on Facebook") [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-utility-scale-solar%2F&text=What%20is%20Utility%20Scale%20Solar%3F "Share on X (Twitter)") [ Pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-utility-scale-solar%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F08%2FJAN23-What-is-Utility-Scale-Solar.jpg&description=What%20is%20Utility%20Scale%20Solar%3F "Share on Pinterest") [ LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-utility-scale-solar%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ Tumblr ](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-utility-scale-solar%2F&name=What%20is%20Utility%20Scale%20Solar%3F "Share on Tumblr") [ Telegram ](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-utility-scale-solar%2F&title=What%20is%20Utility%20Scale%20Solar%3F "Share on Telegram") [ Email ](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20Utility%20Scale%20Solar%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-utility-scale-solar%2F "Share via Email") ![mm](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elliot1-150x150.jpg) [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot%5Fclark/) Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 [Add A Comment ](#) Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-utility-scale-solar/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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