Not making any progress on its Renewable Portfolio Standard requirement, a 4-MW solar field finally gets the ball rolling in the First State.
By Robert J. Sincovich
Management and membership alike at the Delaware Electric Cooperative recently celebrated some of the early results of a solar panel installation project that involved the installation of 16,000 solar panels from Motech-Americas, now contributing to the annual elimination of 12.6 million lbs of carbon dioxide emissions at the new Bruce A. Henry solar energy farm.
This effort, completed in the latter part of 2013, is supporting this electric utility serving 84,000 member-owners in Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware. As of late December, the field had produced some 2,400,000 kWh and is providing enough power for 500 homes to run continuously.
But, it was the initiative taken by the Delaware Electric Cooperative (Co-op), driven by its belief in renewable energy and environmental responsibility, that set the wheels in motion. Through its commitment, it brought together a team of partners, including Motech-Americas, whose panels manufactured in Newark, Del., offered the increased power and efficiencies to meet the state mandates. Also included was SunEdison, a global leader in semiconductor and solar technology. Motech is the world’s fifth largest solar cell manufacturer, providing complete control over its supply chain and access to ensure superior cell products to deliver the required results, without the uncertainty of other options.
The Co-op members include businesses, residential and agricultural assets. The agriculture businesses are predominantly poultry farms and irrigation groups, which can now manage part of their load via electric renewable energy, rather than bio fuels such as diesel.
STATE SUPPORT
“The need for this solar project was prompted several years ago when the Delaware General Assembly introduced and passed legislation requiring state utilities to purchase or produce 25 percent of their energy by 2025, specifying that three percent must be generated by solar assets,” says Mark Nielson, vice president of staff services for the Delaware Electric Cooperative. “Many other states have passed similar legislation or are in the process of doing so, but as of 2012, we had no solar assets in place. And as a result, we found that installing our own system would be the most cost-effective way to meet the state mandates, while helping the environment at the same time — so basically, this was a win-win solution.”
Based on these considerations, the Co-op decided to build its own array and deliver solar energy directly to its members. Construction began in January 2013 and the system went online in August.
QUALITY PARTNERS
SunEdison was selected following a competitive bidding process that began in late 2011. It was not a complete turn-key project, nor was there a prior relationship between the Co-op and SunEdison. Instead, the firm’s track record of building large-scale projects was solid. As such, it was logical for them to manage the solar project. Delaware Electric Cooperative selected the site due to its close proximity to its point of interconnection. The Co-op then purchased the property and proceeded with the site civil work before turning the next steps over to SunEdison. It also performed all medium-voltage work including cabling, transformation and distribution circuit upgrades.
Further steps by the Co-op were to procure locally manufactured panels through Motech-Americas. They were the first and logical choice based on the firm’s focus on quality and reliability for its industry leading photovoltaic solar panels. This would enable the work to be done as efficiently and productively as possible, and help deliver the designed-in value that was required.
As part of the contractual requirements, SunEdison employed Delaware labor for construction of the racking system, module installation and low voltage work. The contractor also sought the involvement of the local community college and offered work opportunities to some students. Once the civil work was completed, the site was turned over to SunEdison. The only meaningful problem encountered was the weather. A very wet spring slowed progress throughout the construction period. The project was completed in August 2013 and Delaware Electric Cooperative contracted with SunEdison to monitor, operate and maintain the system as part of a separate three-year contract.
ROOM FOR GROWTH
This renewable energy farm will provide members with a sustainable source of power for years to come. What’s more, Motech-America’s thousands of solar panels installed at the farm, located west of Georgetown, will offset energy purchases from the wholesale market. The overall project cost approximately $14 million, and the farm could eventually be expanded to 40 acres with the ability to produce 7 MW of power. It will also help Delaware Electric Cooperative to comply with the recently passed state mandates requiring utilities to invest in renewable energy projects.
“There are very measurable benefits brought about by this installation,” says Dave Holleran, senior manager of module sales for Motech-Americas. “This is a 4-MW solar energy farm, and through the use of our highest quality solar panels, it will eliminate carbon emissions in amounts comparable to taking 1,239 cars off the road. And, that’s a renewable benefit with an estimated service life of 25 years or more. By any measure, that is a noteworthy achievement to support the environment.
“In addition,” he adds, “these solar panels were manufactured by Motech-Americas in Newark, Del., so we are not only contributing to an environmentally friendly development, but we are also supporting America’s workforce at the same time.”
With more than 20 years in manufacturing modules — more than the lifetime of most solar companies — Motech experts continue to be trusted veterans in the solar industry. Strict quality control in all stages of the manufacturing process at Motech is critical to maintaining a high record of longevity. This focus on quality and reliability helps drive revenue for developers, installers and investors.
MEMBERS VOICE THEIR THANKS AND APPRECIATION
As the development of this facility underwent its planning and implementation stages, Delaware Electric Cooperative found itself the recipient of strong support from its members and customers who liked the fact that the Co-op was using the Delaware-manufactured Motech panels, as well as Delaware-based labor to run its power grid.
To help maximize the extensive news value of this achievement, there was a press event held on Aug. 21, 2013, attended by numerous local news media. An airborne helicopter produced several TV news spots, highlighting the benefits of the field, the benefits to the environment and the clean energy benefits to members. There was a clear support in the change of the renewable energy climate and strong support for the move to solar. As an added feature for its members, a special arrangement was set up for them to monitor the electrical output at the solar farm by visiting delaware.coop. This helps to put a real-world perspective on just what this accomplishment means to them individually and as a community.
Strong receptivity was also demonstrated due to the reduced rates that could be supported — the lowest in the state. This project didn’t allow the Co-op to lower rates, but it did not have to raise them to pay for it. Above all, the project became a textbook case of how other utilities could follow this path to gain the same benefits for themselves.
“Simply put,” Motech’s Holleran says, “this became a meaningful accomplishment brought on by the right people doing the right things at the right time, with results that met or exceeded expectations. There was a strong level of forethought and cooperation involved in the decision-making process, and that produced the right approaches needed for this solar-based solution. For other utilities within the United States facing similar circumstances, there can be a definite value in considering the options and directions that worked so well for Delaware Electric Cooperative.”
Robert J. Sincovich is marketing communications strategist and owner of R.J. Sincovich Communications, with extensive experience in a variety of business-to-business categories, including solar.
— Solar Builder magazine
[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/featured/delware-electric-cooperative-motech/]
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