The primary difference between small-scale and utility-scale renewable energy projects is the capacity of energy the system can produce. Utility-scale systems are larger commercial systems that generate electricity to be distributed for off-site use through the grid or exported to the wholesale market. Small-scale, or accessory-scale, systems often provide on-site electricity to a structure, like a residence or commercial building.
Naturally, another primary difference associated with capacity is the size of the systems. Utility wind turbines are generally 400-500 feet tall, while small-scale on-site turbines tend to be around 40-50 feet tall. Utility-scale solar projects tend to be the primary use on a site, while smaller-scale systems can be rooftop-mounted to a building or take up a smaller amount of land on-site.
Utility-scale systems and small-scale systems can differ by how they are owned, as well. Utility-scale systems are typically commercially owned, and it is common for the developers of these systems to enter into lease agreements with landowners to place the project on their land. Small-scale systems are typically owned by the owner of the property that the system is on.