OneEnergy Renewables, a leading developer of distributed, utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, and Constellation announce the development of a 4.3-MW solar electric project located on the eastern shore of Maryland. The off-site system, which is part of an innovative electricity supply agreement between Constellation and the National Aquarium, will provide power for approximately 40 percent of the Aquarium’s electricity requirements for the next 25 years.
OneEnergy’s Purpose-Built Solar program, which connects large electricity users with custom-built, off-site solar projects, will enable the National Aquarium to procure power from Constellation at a fixed price equal to the amount of power generated by the solar facility. By avoiding the size constraints of the National Aquarium’s roof, OneEnergy was able to tailor the project to better meet the Aquarium’s unique energy and financial profile. Constellation will finance, build, and own the system.
“To date, corporate and institutional customers have primarily adopted solar through on-site, net-metered systems,” said Bryce Smith, CEO and co-founder of OneEnergy Renewables. “With Purpose-Built Solar, organizations like the National Aquarium can now access solar power at scale and enjoy the economic benefits that only large, optimally sited projects offer. Direct engagement with grid-connected projects is redefining how large electricity customers will go solar.”
The Constellation solar project is estimated to reduce grid-related CO2 emissions by more than 4,409 tons, annually, the equivalent emissions from 842 passenger vehicles, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.
“This project with OneEnergy Renewables and Constellation really allows us to ‘walk our talk’ as a conservation organization,” said John Racanelli, CEO of the National Aquarium. “Now, a significant percent of our electricity will come from clean, renewable energy. We hope this will help set a precedent for supporting large-scale, off-site projects and inspire others to take action.”
“Constellation is proud to support the National Aquarium’s energy and environmental goals,” said Brendon Quinlivan, director of solar development at Constellation. “This project with OneEnergy Renewables is an example of our commitment to developing products and services that give customers greater flexibility in managing their energy costs while supporting the use of clean, renewable energy.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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