Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Ross reviewed the three typical public sector opportunities or options: <br /> installations on public property (either self-financed, installation only, <br /> lease/buyback, or with a purchase power agreement); by enabling the private <br /> sector to develop community solar systems by removing regulatory barriers <br /> and/or creating regulatory incentives, participation in PACE or other financing <br /> options; or by sponsoring a community solar installation, which is an available <br /> option, but not yet done in MN even though there are several projects in their <br /> initial states of analysis. <br /> At the request of Chair Stenlund, Mr. Ross advised that if using a financial option, <br /> such as PACE, it would be beneficial to have a project in mind for an idea of total <br /> dollars needed, with several of the projects currently under joint powers <br /> agreements (JPA's) with the St. Paul Port Authority. <br /> Mr. Ross reviewed some of the considerations for solar installations on buildings, <br /> including solar resources, roof age, roof structure, and interconnection with <br /> substation or distribution line depending on size. For ground "solar farm" <br /> installations, Mr. Ross reviewed some of those considerations, including solar <br /> resources (e.g. trees, topography), surrounding land uses (important for larger <br /> systems), potential future uses for adjacent land (aesthetics impacts to adjacent <br /> neighborhood), and again interconnection needs. <br /> At the request of Mr. Schwartz, Mr. Ross addressed the feasibility of community <br /> solar systems over parking lots, noting that while it may look like a huge <br /> opportunity and potential asset, only a few have been done to-date on a small <br /> scale. Mr. Ross advised that part of the problem was that when done over a <br /> parking lot, the design of the structure had to be engineered to ensure if a car hit <br /> them, it wouldn't impact the solar array or that the supporting structure itself <br /> wouldn't create a problem with traffic flow—all requiring more expensive design <br /> and engineering specifications and construction. <br /> Discussion ensued regarding benefits and considerations under tariff rates, of <br /> which there are nine different rates, for community solar systems within the <br /> residential, commercial, and industrial rate structure; along with renewable energy <br /> credits versus standard electricity rates. Mr. Ross noted that utility companies <br /> would soon be mandated to provide a certain percentage of solar power by 2020 <br /> under the tariff and renewal energy credit. Mr. Ross further noted that the <br /> minimum a utility company must achieve is 1.5%, with Xcel Energy already <br /> having added two large projects to their system, so they would be half way to the <br /> mandated goal once they were installed. However, if more than that comes to <br /> fruition, and the market supports the additional solar project development, Mr. <br /> Ross opined that the utility companies have to accept them into their system. <br /> Mr. Ross noted there were benefits of community solar system models for <br /> businesses who want to invest in solar, if the system is installed on the roof, they <br /> pay energy and demand charges, but solar systems interact differently and don't <br /> Page 4 of 15 <br />