How does utility-scale distributed generation differ from residential distributed generation?

Utility-scale distributed generation is defined by its larger scale and its connection to the grid, which allows it to produce energy on a much larger level than residential distributed generation. This type of generation typically involves installations such as large solar farms or wind turbine arrays that can produce significant amounts of energy, contributing to the overall electricity supply of a region. Because they are grid-connected, they can deliver power directly to the electrical grid, providing energy to multiple consumers rather than just a single household.

In contrast, residential distributed generation typically consists of smaller systems, such as rooftop solar panels, that serve a single household. While these systems can generate renewable energy, they do not have the same capacity or impact as utility-scale projects, which are designed to provide significant amounts of power often to local or regional grids.

The other choices either mischaracterize the scale and efficiency of the systems or suggest a false equivalence between the two types of generation, failing to recognize the distinct differences in their purpose, size, and operation.