Renewables

Energy Solutions works closely with clients to help them achieve their renewable energy generation and usage goals. We perform technical and financial feasibility studies that include site assessments, preliminary designs, financial analyses, project RFP development and negotiations, and construction management. Energy Solutions also provides guidance on Power Purchase Agreements and other financing options.

PROJECT: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

Beginning in 2007, Energy Solutions has conducted financial and technical photovoltaic (PV) feasibility studies as well as energy efficiency designs for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) facilities. In 2009, Energy Solutions assisted BART in completing PV and energy efficiency projects at maintenance facilities that resulted in the installation of 550 kW of PV capacity and 4.85 million kWh of renewable energy production annually, as well as 2.8 million kWh per year in energy savings and 280 kW of peak demand reduction.

Energy Solutions identified energy efficiency opportunities in parallel with our solar PV evaluation for BART facilities located in Orinda, Richmond, and Hayward, California. We subsequently assisted BART in structuring, negotiating, and executing an integrated PV/Energy Efficiency Power Purchase Agreement to implement and finance both types of projects. This financing vehicle presented an opportunity for the energy efficiency measures to “buy down” the cost of solar, thereby creating positive cash flow from the onset with no upfront costs to BART and the simplicity of a single host payment. Energy Solutions provided information key to developing the financing terms, including the estimated cost of installing the energy efficiency measures, estimated energy savings, and measure life. Our team also assisted BART with developer contract negotiations and project facilitation.

PROJECT: City of Pleasanton

Energy Solutions completed a renewable energy financial and technical feasibility study for the City of Pleasanton’s Operations Service Center. The study recommended the installation of a 364 kW PV system that would cover four buildings and serve the two main electrical loads at the site. Energy Solutions then supported the City of Pleasanton throughout its RFP process to select a project contractor, from RFP drafting to final bid proposal evaluation. Energy Solutions’ system design allowed the City to take advantage of net metering benefits, which improved the financial viability of the project. The City of Pleasanton’s 360 kW PV project was completed in February 2010 and is part of the city’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint and associated energy costs.