Distributed generation (DG) is defined as smaller-scale power generation or storage. It is also known as Distributed Resources.

Equipment associated with distributed generation can be connected directly to the customer’s building or interconnected into the utility's distribution system. Wattages typically range from one kilowatt (1 kW), which is the approximate demand for a typical residential customer to 10 megawatts (10 MW) or above for large commercial or medium industrial applications.

Types of distributed generation:

• Solar power
• Landfill gas
• Combined heat and power (CHP, or cogeneration)

Photovoltaic (PV) cells collect the sun’s energy and convert it directly into electricity, using solar cells comprised of semiconductor material. PV systems have numerous advantages:

• No moving parts
• Operates silently
• Requires little maintenance or regular scheduled maintenance
• Can be stored in deep-cycle batteries for evening or back-up use

A PV system produces DC power compared to the 120V AC power supplied by utility companies. This requires equipment to convert DC to AC power. An inverter must be installed for this purpose.

Landfill gas is produced by decomposing garbage which is collected and either flared off or used to produce electricity. Landfill gas is a mixture of gases including carbon dioxide (CO2) with the largest component being methane gas.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) devices produce both electrical and thermal energy and use the heat or steam for industrial processes, heating or cooling. It is one of the most common forms of energy recycling.

Distributed Generation is a section of CPS Energy's Military Systems and Distributed Generation Department. Send completed DG application and required drawings (PDF format only) to: distgen@cpsenergy.com.

• Solartricity is a market-based initiative that will attempt to attract hundreds of small-to-large scale solar energy-generating projects to the Greater San Antonio area. Solartricity producers sign a 20 year agreement to sell solar energy at a rate of 27 cents/kilowatt-hour (kWh) to CPS Energy. If you have questions, call the Solartricity Producers Program at (210) 353-2641 or e-mail Solartricity@cpsenergy.com.
  
  
• Photovoltaic Rebates - CPS Energy offers an incentive of $3.00 per AC watt based on the calculated expected performance of the system that is less than 100 kW. If you have questions, call (210) 353-2SAV or see our solar rebate page.
  
  
• Windtricity® - Imagine a breeze from the Texas coast or a gust from the West Texas plains generating electricity for your home or business.  It’s clean and green energy, it’s practically home grown, and you have the freedom to decide just how much is right for you. CPS Energy is already #1 nationally in wind-energy (Windtricity®) capacity among municipally owned utilities.

As distributed generation progresses it may become a tool in addressing environmental challenges in our world. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are part of CPS Energy’s overall strategy to meet Greater San Antonio’s energy needs with diversified sources. CPS Energy has the most solar-generated electricity (41 MW) under contract in the state of Texas.