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Reasons
Why Consumers Choose DE | How
This Website Can Help
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What
is DE?
Distributed
energy (DE) typically refers to small power
generating systems that are sited close to where
the power is needed.
DE
Systems Commonly Used by Residential Consumers
Solar
- Photovoltaic
(PV) solar electric panels
- Solar
hybrids, combined with engines or energy storage
Wind
- Well
and water pumping
- Electric
battery/storage charging
Advanced
Engines
- Back-up
power generators
- Primary
electricity for residences not connected to
the grid
- Engines
for special purposes (pool heating, outdoor
events).
DE
Systems in Development for Residential Consumers
Fuel
cells are still expensive, but analysts
predict that they will soon become practical
for home use, allowing consumers the option
of generating electricity at home with very
little environmental impacts.
Microturbines
are becoming smaller, more efficient, and more
economic for residential purposes.
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Distributed
energy (DE) offers solutions to many home energy needs
across the globe. From basic heating, cooling, and
cooking to more complex functions like generating
electricity, DE is an important part of many lifestyles.
The opportunities for further deployment of DE technologies
are enormous.
While
DE can be as simple as a rooftop water heater which
uses the warming energy of direct sunlight to heat
water, the DE Forum focuses on the use and opportunities
for DE systems to generate electricity.
Today,
DE encompasses a broad array of technologies, from
very simple to highly complex. Since most energy consumed
at home comes in the form of electricity, DE technologies
have adapted to those needs. Consumers now have the
option of choosing from a variety of small, modular
power-generating technologies that can be combined
with energy management and storage systems to serve
a variety of important applications.
How
Can DE Help?
There
are many reasons why a residential consumer might
consider a specific DE technology. Depending upon
the situation, DE may help to reduce utility bills,
increase comfort, or contribute to a cleaner environment.
In rural settings, access to the electricity grid
may not exist at all, making DE the only real option
for supplying electricity. For some consumers, the
peace of mind that comes with having an on-site source
of electricity generation in the event of power blackouts
makes DE a valuable commodity.
While
it is technically possible for DE users to eliminate
use of the electric power grid, this is usually not
feasible. Most residential users find it more economical
to utilize DE as a complement to the grid, not as
a replacement. With the combination of the DE resource
and the grid, consumers have more technology options
from which to choose, and more potential benefits.
DE
systems can provide the following advantages for residential
users:
-
Reduced
cost - Depending on the local cost of electricity
and the load profile of the consumer, DE could provide
cost savings over the long term. Savings comes in
the form of reductions in monthly energy bills.
The level of savings may increase based on the configuration
of the DE system and the utility rate plan. Many
states also allow net metering to take place, whereby
excess power can be sold back to the utility.
-
Back-up
power - In areas where outages from the electric
grid are more common, DE systems can provide standby
electricity when needed. A small backup power source
can be automatically activated during intermittent
power failures to provide uninterrupted service
to consumers. Areas that are vulnerable to wind,
thunder or ice storms are areas in which consumers
should carefully consider DE as a backup power resource.
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Primary
power, off grid - In cases where there is no grid
access available, such as rural or mountainous regions,
or in many areas of developing countries, basic
electricity needs such as lighting, heating, and
refrigeration can be provided by DE systems.
-
Cleaner
environment - Consumers may choose to employ appropriate
DE resources to reduce environmental impacts. The
majority of utility power comes from fossil fuels
though many utilities have aggressively pursued
wind power as a cleaner source of power generation.
Renewable DE solutions, like wind and solar, can
reduce dependence on utility power, thereby reducing
the environmental impact. It should be noted that
since DE encompasses a variety of technologies,
the environmental impact differs by resource.
How
Can This Website Help?
This
website has been designed to be a one-stop resource
for all of the different facets of DE technologies.
This section is designed for residential consumers.
If you are interested in DE applications for small
or medium sized business, click here. If you are
interested in DE from a industrial
or institutional perspective, click here. This site
will enable you to:
1.
Become familiar with basic terms used to describe
DE systems, discover the different kinds of DE technologies,
and learn about their pros and cons through DE
overview.
2. Learn specific details about various types of DE
technologies.
3. Understand the environmental
impacts of the different types of DE technologies.
4. Gain an overview of the regulatory
and policy issues that impact the use of DE technologies.
5. Identify the basic economic
drivers to see if DE makes sense for you now or in
the future.
6. Use the DE Forum's unique DE
Calculator to identify the best solutions for
your specific needs.
7. Determine the definition of a term you are unfamiliar
with using the glossary located at the Reference
Desk.
8. Seek specific answers to your questions through
the Discussion
Forum, which allows you to present new questions
or view answers to previous questions.
9. If you still have questions, please use Contact
Us to reach the DE Forum staff.
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