2016-02-02_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Overview of the Potential Installation of the Photo Voltaic (PV) System on the Skate Center City of Roseville Staff and the Public Works Environment & Transportation Commission have been studying the utilization of solar energy to help reduce the demand on non-renewable resources for the past few years. Staff met with numerous developers, non-profits, and local experts to better understand the project benefits and potential impacts. After a year of developing a plan internally, staff released an RFP in January of 2015 to solicit proposals for the installation of a Photo Voltaic (PV) System to be added onto a municipal building roof. The RFP requested that developers look at all the City Campus rooftops to determine the best size system to fit the usable space, and meet the requirements of Xcel Energy in regards to building energy usage and the PV system production. Through the RFP process, the Skate Center was identified as a feasible option for a 300 kilowatt system that can produce an estimated 360,000 kWh annually. This production would help lower the Skate Centers annual energy usage of 1.7 megawatts by 21%. There are potential secondary benefits like: keeping the Skate Center roof cooler in the summer which can also lower costs to cool the Center, lengthen the roof lifespan, etc.. Staff worked with the developer to design a system to minimize impact on the roof, and to allow for access for roof maintenance. The system is sized in a way to maximize production, but also allows the solar panels to be moved temporarily without having to remove the entire system to perform roof maintenance. If approved, the City would enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the developer, where the City would purchase the energy produced by the PV System. The City would be buying the power at a lower rate than what the current cost per kWh is with Xcel Energy. There is no upfront cost with the system, and the system is cash flow positive for the City starting year one through year 20. After year 20, the system would likely be removed by the developer, again at no cost to the City. The City could then look into a newer system which would likely be more efficient, cheaper, lighter, etc. as the technology is improved over time.