Solar Onsite EnergyOutdoor Onsite Energy

Many benefits exist for both on- and off-site systems. On-site systems offer a better return on investment because financial savings are across the entire electricity supply chain – costs associated with energy generation, transmission and distribution, market volatility, and environmental costs.

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.

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.

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.

First, let's define each. On-site renewables, aka direct, are “behind the meter” systems at a specific location, providing energy on-demand or via on-site storage (i.e., batteries). These are typically financed, owned, and managed by the company themselves.

Off-site renewables generally require an agreement with an outside utility. Both on- and off-site projects can include but are not limited to solar farms, biomass, landfill gas, hydro, and wind, depending on their geographic location and resource availability. Many benefits exist for both on- and off-site systems.