Let's discuss the advantages of distributed energy resources

Today’s small-scale renewable energy generation and storage systems don’t have to be placed exclusively at big, centralized locations. It’s easier than ever to distribute electric generation and energy storage systems near places where energy is actually used.

Distributed energy resources (DERs) have advantages over legacy systems based on huge power generation plants. Installing small generation systems at multiple points, instead of big systems at a few locations, can improve reliability and community resilience. Multiple small generation systems improve the probability that there will be working generation systems on the intact side of a transmission grid that has been disabled at a particular point, like a car accident affecting key power poles. Generation located in La Conner would lower the risk of blackouts if an accident or planned maintenance takes out either of the local PSE substations.

Although long-distance electric transmission losses are 3-7% of total power generated, these losses become significant given the huge amounts of generation on the grid. Large-scale DER installation can reduce them, by reducing the distance between generation and consumption.

Very localized peak power demand, or demand in locations like La Conner that are remote from central generation, can require disproportionate capital investment for a typical large grid. DERs, by providing local generation and storage, can significantly reduce the investment required in transmission lines and substations. This helps keep prices down for all utility customers.

Most people who pay attention to energy technology are already aware of the possibility of putting solar panels on structurally sound, ideally south-facing rooftops with little to no shadows from trees or tall buildings. However, there are a lot of other locations at which DER feasibility is improving as DER technology costs come down. Here are three that have good potential in Skagit County.

Small solar: If a rooftop isn’t big enough to install a solar system big enough to power the whole house, it may still be possible to install a solar system that will provide enough electricity to power, say, an electric car, or an electric water heater. The same federal and state tax incentives and net metering program applicable to larger systems, equally apply to small systems.

Offshore wind: Today’s typical offshore wind turbines produce 8-15 megawatts per unit. Energy generation varies based on wind conditions, but many wind turbines produce power about 4,000 hours a year, so a single 8 MW turbine, as a first estimate, would produce 32,000 megawatt-hours per year. Using state averages for household energy consumption, this suggests that as few as 20 such turbines off the islands near Anacortes could provide enough energy for all residential use in Anacortes, the Swinomish Reservation and La Conner.

Thermal storage: Suppose that 40, rather than 20, wind turbines were installed. The excess energy could be diverted into thermal storage systems and used to replace natural gas or propane for heating. Several potentially applicable thermal storage systems are available. For instance, in Scotland, a small, well-insulated box of bricks can use electric resistance heat to warm the bricks, and to then release the heat in apartments. Various hot water systems are also available, both for water and space heating.