Chatsworth Water Works Commission

Solar Project 2015

The Beginning 2012

Ways to utilize unused property Save Money Energy Conservation Long Term Benefit Government Incentives 30%

Main Office & W.W Treatment Plant

Site Details

Approximately 38 acres Main Office Hours 8:00am to 4:30pm Monthly power bill $1,500 to $2,000 per month W.W Treatment Plant 3 MGD Normal work hours 7:00am to 4:30pm Unmanned at night and on weekends Monthly power bill $12,000 to $13,000 per month 85% of power consumption during work hours Site is located in the flood plain

First Steps

Determine if it is financially viable.

Determine if the site is viable.

Contact Georgia Solar Energy Association.

Set up a meeting with a solar company and toured their plant.

Meet with engineering firm to get proposals and cost estimates.

Initial Findings

300 kW for Eton Water Plant 700 kW for Office and W.W Treatment Plant Total 1,000 kW or 1 Megawatt Price $3.10 per watt total $3.1million

30% Rebate not applicable for municipalities would have to do a lease/purchase with a private firm. Projected savings of $5.0 million after 25 years with 5% power rate increase and with 30% rebate and be cash positive after 2 years.

Next Step

Contacted Jason Bodwell at GEFA about Energy Conservation Loan for Solar.

Contacted Patricia Nardone at Georgia Power Energy Services after she did a presentation at a GAWP Executive Lunch.

Georgia Power Energy Services Department works with commercial and industrial customers on energy saving projects from changing to more efficient fixtures, installing generators and solar projects.

New Findings

It is determined Eton Water Plant was not feasible due to the constant power use over a 24 hour period and flood plain issues. The Waste Water Plant without the main office was a viable option due to a majority of the power being used during peak solar times Similar school projects were being installed for around $2.00 per kilowatt It was possible to partner with a private investor to take advantage of the 30% incentive Using actual bills and rate summaries a more conservative savings of around $2.0 million over 25 years using interest rates from similar projects and becoming cash positive after 5 years.

Project Delays

Flood plain issues Financing evaluations Determining best way to connect to the grid How to incorporate main office into the plan.

Determining actual size of the system Applying for Georgia Power solar power buy back plan.

Moving Forward

Decided not to challenge new 2010 flood plain elevations and install taller racking system.

Received approval from GEFA for $3,000,000 at 1.3% and $300,000 in principal forgiveness.

RFP for financing with 30% incentive.

We would purchase line feeding main office and the waste water plant and sign a maintenance agreement with Georgia Power.

Install primary meter at the main office allowing it to be connected to solar power.

Determined one mega watt system would be best.

Determined long term pay back for using the power generated would be better than selling back.

Financing

RFP for financing rates ranged from 2.89% to 3.92%. Project was considered to small by the lenders to consider 30% incentive for a lease purchase.

GEFA 1.03% interest rate with $300,000 in principal forgiveness.

Final Numbers

RFP for installation had five bidders low bid was 1.85 million Inman Solar.

Engineering cost and purchasing line from Georgia Power approximately $300,000.

Anticipated total cost of 2.2 million or $2.20 per watt, with $300,000 forgiveness borrow 1.9 million, payments would be approximately $8,800 per month.

$5,000 annually for Georgia Power to maintain the system.

Cash positive first year. Approximately 4.0 million savings over 25 years based on 5% annual power rate increase ( averaged over 8% annually for last 5 years) does not include buy back for any excess power generated and put back on the grid.

Lessons Learned

Use a consultant that has experience with solar projects.

Make sure solar is a good option for your facility.

Understand your power rates and times of usage.

Be very specific in your RFP when choosing a contractor.

Hold a Pre-Bid Meeting to ensure all contractors understand the requirements.

Contact Information

Stephen Smith- Chatsworth Water Works 706-695-3132 [email protected]

Patricia Nardone- Georgia Power Energy Services 770-969-6601 [email protected]

Jason Bodwell- GEFA 404-584-1129 [email protected]