2014-11-25_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

NEC code requirements for a shut-off, and more efficiencies and reliability of micro inverters of low voltage; and risks for snow covered panels and subsequent low output, with the dark panel color attracting the sun and melting snow to bring them up to full production in short periods of time; with three months of each year considered a"write off' due to the location of the sun, even though Minnesota works quite well for solar power. Further discussion included which option was better: going through the lottery system with only one out of four applications selected on average; or a straight loan from the SPPA for a two page application form for PACE financing. Mr. Kampmeyer advised that of the 44 applications they submitted last year, 22 were approved, which was higher than normal; with the City of Golden Valley submitting 8-10 applications and four approved; while other communities receiving no approvals. Mr. Kampmeyer advised that the lottery system received 300 applications in 2014 with 106 of varying sizes selected. At the request of Chair Stenlund, Mr. Kampmeyer advised that aisles for access of other equipment on the roof were provided, with a typical 40 K system taking up 4,000 square feet in one open area. Mr. Schwartz noted that the City had a number of buildings just on the city campus with roofs of varying sizes, displayed by map (e.g. new fire station, skating center, city hall, public works building, and police station)providing campus solar rooftop space. Mr. Schwartz questioned if a Made in Minnesota 40 K project was pursued, would it prohibit another type of project on another city facility's roof, since the City has up to six electric meters available at this time. Mr. Weir responded that it would not, with plenty of rooftop available; and noted the desire to install solar arrays on newer rooftops, but some facilities of the size that could allow both a 40K and a 100 K system on the same rooftop; and with six meters available, should provide more flexibility as well. Commissioners and/or staff sought additional information, with Sundial representatives offering to provide that information to staff for dissemination: which portions of the solar systems are recyclable (e.g. racking and rails made of aluminum and silicon); and whether one 40K per meter would impact any other meters, or simply mean adding another meter. At the request of Member Gjerdingen, Mr. Kampmeyer advised that maintenance and operational responsibilities would be outlined and built into a contract. Mr. Kampmeyer reviewed typical moving of panels and the system if required with any unforeseen repairs for a roof, with the panels coming apart and picked up for assembly or disassembly as the case may be; with the preference for installations on rooftops that are less than 5-7 years old to avoid that potential. Page 4 of 11