Centralized versus Decentralized Solar Grids for San Francisco

Climate change requires a transition to renewable energy sources, but different cities have different contextual needs that require place-specific solutions. Renewable energy sources like solar power reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are becoming more efficient. This makes solar energy an up-and-coming source of power for the city. By 2045, San Francisco wants to have 100% renewable energy. Given their urban environment, they must account for the city’s population energy density relating to energy consumption, trying to discuss whether solar energy can be seen as a viable source for this. Two possible ways to harness solar energy would be a centralized solar grid and a decentralized solar grid. A decentralized solar generation system would be more effective in San Francisco because it is efficient in electricity use, it takes up less natural resources, and it is economically more favorable cost-wise. Incorporating this form of solar energy in San Francisco will be beneficial for addressing climate change and supporting energy demand in the city and wider region.