DFW Solarize Networking Event - North Texas Renewable Energy … Solarize Networking Event.pdf ·...

File: 2014-01 Solarize Networking Event Slide 1

DFW Solarize Networking Event

January 2014

The North Texas Renewable Energy Group

www.ntreg.org

Plano Solar Advocates

planosolar.org

http://www.ntreg.org/

http://www.planosolar.org


First Things First

What is the least expensive and cleanest source of energy?


Answer

Energy we don’t use – the NEGAWATT!

Conservation (turn off the light)

Efficiency (use LED light)


• Who we are: – A volunteer grass-roots group of Plano citizens (non-profit)

• Our Mission: – To increase the awareness and expand the use of Solar

Energy for electricity generation in Plano.

• Our Long Term Goal: – Put Plano on the map as the solar energy leader of North

Texas!

Plano Solar Advocates (PSA)


• Background on the “Solarize” Concept using the

Solarize Plano Project as an example

• Identify & list potential communities and neighborhoods that could start their own solarize project

• Move into groups – to network and pass around volunteer signup sheet

• Solarize Q&A

Today’s Outline


Group Solar Purchase • All across the United States, groups are using this "solarize"

approach to enable the installation of clean and cost effective solar energy for distributed electricity generation.

• Accelerates PV Solar adoption

• Purchasing Solar Collectively with Solarize

• 3 min video about "solarize" concepts is available at this URL - https://www.eeremultimedia.energy.gov/solar/videos/purchasing_solar_collectively_solarize

https://www.eeremultimedia.energy.gov/solar/videos/purchasing_solar_collectively_solarize



www.solarizeplano.org

In collaboration with Live Green In Plano

Key Point

• Lot of people want to do solar, but they don’t know where to get started

With Solarize/Group Purchase

• Simplify the process

• educate consumers

• discounted pricing

• limited time offer For a good overview, watch the short 3 min video • https://www.eeremultimedia.energy.gov/solar/videos/purchasing_s

olar_collectively_solarize





Start Your Local Solarize Project!

● Encourage neighbors, groups, and organizations to join together

● What can you do? ○ small group - find 3 or more interested persons in your

neighborhood and obtain quotes from 3 companies, choose and then install

○ for larger group - form or find group or organization to sponsor and run a solarize project

● Where to start? ○ Review existing information from across the country ○ Review the Solarize Plano Project information on the web ○ PSA available to share our experiences






• Solarize Q&A

Today’s Outline


Group Solar Purchase

Key Point

• Lot of people want to do solar, but they don’t know where to get started

With Solarize/Group Purchase

• Simplify the process

• educate consumers

• discounted pricing

• limited time offer

Good Reference Material: 1. Solarize Guidebook - a community guide to collective

purchasing of residential PV systems (http://www4.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/resource_center/resources/solarize_guidebook_community_guide_collective_purchasing_residential_pv_systems)

2. Community Power Network website - See http://communitypowernetwork.com/ and Solar Group/Bulk Purchase - http://communitypowernetwork.com/bulkpurchase

http://www4.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/resource_center/resources/solarize_guidebook_community_guide_collective_purchasing_residential_pv_systems






http://communitypowernetwork.com/

http://communitypowernetwork.com/

http://communitypowernetwork.com/node/2143



http://communitypowernetwork.com/bulkpurchase


Basics of a Solarize Program Program Setup • Initial planning, develop partnerships with trusted organizations, meet with local utility (Oncor, Muni,

Co-op), local solar installers, and city inspectors. Discuss financing options (City loan programs, Credit

Unions, Solar Installer options, etc.), Define timeline, Establish a web/blog site to capture information

and report information

• Volunteer recruitment, for RFP (Request for Proposal) and Outreach committee established

• Outreach committee determines methods to “get the word out” to the community. Also plan/host

information workshop for prospective/enrolled homeowners to discuss solar 101, local utility

incentives, federal investment tax credit, financing options, etc.

• RFP committee should begin drafting the RFP

• Begin participant enrollment!

Outreach and Education • Continue community outreach via various marketing options including, website, blog, emails, print

materials, flyers, local festivals, farmers market, press release, etc.

• Final Workshops with participants to discuss completed RFP pricing, selected Solar Installation

Company, technical details of the solar PV installation, and installation timeline

• Complete customer enrollment, decision time for participants, and schedule site assessments

Installations • Status updates, monitor installations, periodic team meetings, problem resolution and correction when

needed

• Install solar systems!

• Tour of new installations, Celebrations!


Getting Started

• Plano Solar Advocates (PSA) volunteers helped educate, coordinated and provided technical support for homeowners (and all other stakeholders) throughout this process.

• In collaboration with Live Green in Plano

• Utilized Plano’s Smart Energy Loan Program (http://smartenergyloans.com/) as an option for participant financing and the program as a communication channel for Solarize Plano

• Established website for information, enrollment, and links to PSA website for ongoing communications – www.solarizeplano.org

Solarize Plano Example

Lead, manage

Sponsors, partners,

collaborators

Communication channels

http://smartenergyloans.com/

http://smartenergyloans.com/

http://www.solarizeplano.org/


Early Project Advice

• Volunteers involved with the project should not include persons from solar integrator/installer companies. This helps (1) avoid conflicts of interests, (2) ensure an ethical project, and (3) protect the privacy of participants.

• Project participants that volunteer for the RFP review process and company selection should complete a short questionnaire to screen and disclose any potential conflict of interests

Note: As a grass-roots volunteer solar advocacy group, Plano Solar Advocates encourages involvement of solar companies in many of our activities, however, not

serving as volunteers for group purchase projects.


Tools

Leverage free and easy-to-use tools! For example, Plano Solar Advocates and the Solarize Plano Project used: ● Google blogger for simple webpage and blog features ● Google “Docs” for collaboration of documents, spreadsheets,

and forms (sharing and file protection) ● Google Forms to create online enrollment forms ● Google “hangouts” for audio and video collaboration ● FreeConferenceCall.com for hosting call-in information

session ● Youtube to post on-demand information session recording



Solarize Plano Highlights and Timeline

• Pilot Project Announced - May 31, 2013 (completed)

• Held first Information Meeting for enrollees - June 27, 2013 (completed)

• Surpassed pilot project enrollment target of 20 enrollees - July 8, 2013 (completed)

• Issue RFP (Request for Proposal) - July 29, 2013 (completed)

• Participant Enrollment period to close (had been August 31, 2013) - August 5, 2013

(completed)

• RFP responses due - August 7, 2013 (completed)

• Two shortlisted companies selected - August 12, 2013 (completed)

• Shortlisted company interviews - August 14 - August 15, 2013 (completed)

• Solar company selected - August 16, 2013 (completed)

• All contracts completed with individual customers - September 15, 2013 or

earlier (completed)

• All installations - to be started beginning Jan 2014


Make a project schedule with

milestones


Residential Solar 101 The basic principles of solar power generation are easy to understand, but beyond the

actual technology, there are several questions Solarize participants need to consider

before deciding to install rooftop solar on a residential home. The following topics should

be included in a Solarize education/information session:

What size solar system do I want/need? • Available roof space, condition, orientation (south facing/tilt angle) & potential shading (not all

homes are a good fit)

• Percentage of annual energy consumption homeowner wants to offset with solar

• Net-metering potential (AC power sent back to the grid), special considerations for Texas

• Budget

How much does it cost? • Installed cost (typically quoted in $/DC Watt) normally includes equipment, labor and all installation

related costs (permits, inspections, design, etc.)

• Cost can be lowered with utility incentives/rebates (Oncor, Municipal or Co-op and 30% Federal

Investment Tax Credit - i.e (Retail installed cost – utility incentives – Federal ITC = Final customer

out of pocket cost)

• Include discussion about lifetime cost benefits per kWh, which is often below current utility cost per

kWh

Additional details on these topics can be found in the addendum


Participant Process & Key Decisions

Solarize Plano Project enrollees will have three main decision points and decisions to make during the project timeline. Decision Point 1 (DP1) - After learning about the Solarize Plano Project, decide whether to enroll at the project website - Yes or No Decision Point 2 (DP2) - After participating in the project information sessions, learning about PV solar, home orientation and shading considerations, roof age and building structure considerations, potential PV solar system sizes (in kW) that meets your objectives, and estimated system costs and calculations that affect installed costs, you must make the decision to proceed to the next step of having the selected solar company perform an on-site assessment and provide total system installation quotation. Yes, Maybe, No Decision Point 3 (DP3) - After receiving and reviewing a quotation from the selected solar company, understanding the range of final prices based on the final project total capacity, arranged funding, then the final decision to sign the contract with the solar company to proceed with installation. Yes or No






– Which cities, communities, neighborhoods, and areas are represented here today


• Solarize Q&A

Today’s Outline






– Identify person from each area to take the action for setting up a first meeting in their area with other persons on the signup sheet

• Solarize Q&A

Today’s Outline


Solarize Q & A

Email additional questions to: [email protected] or [email protected]

FYI – See http://www.planosolar.org/p/projects.html

PSA Working Groups

http://www.planosolar.org/p/projects.html

http://www.planosolar.org/p/projects.html


Appendix

Backup Slides


Let’s Set the Stage

Solar Energy in Texas – Don’t You Wonder? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FudFriE1J4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FudFriE1J4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FudFriE1J4


• Key Benefits

– Abundant & local energy resource

– Local generation means less energy waste

– Clean Energy – electricity generation with no air or water pollution (and no water required)

• So what else will we learn?

– No moving parts – low or NO maintenance

– Cost competitive for distributed generation

– Considerations for residential installations

PV Solar


• Enrollees assigned homework

– E.g. estimated annual electricity usage, desired % electricity to be offset by local generation, calculate various PV system sizes (kW) for given % offsets

• We held multiple Information Session Meetings

– From late June thru the end of July

– On-demand, online version also made available

Learning Together Solarize Plano

Example


Residential Solar

The basic principles of solar power generation are easy to

understand, but beyond the actual technology, there are

several questions to be answered before deciding to install

solar on a residential home.

• What size solar system do I need?

• How much does it cost?

• Purchase or lease?

• Roof condition, orientation, and space?

Let’s answer some of these questions!

File: 2014-01 Solarize Networking Event Slide 26 Reference: http://www.txspc.com/how-solar-power-works.html

Making a long term INVESTMENT in LOCALLY generated power

Solar Power – Converting sunlight to power your home

Inverter could be central or micro

Example “Grid-tied” PV Solar Electric System

http://www.txspc.com/how-solar-power-works.html









What size Solar PV system do I need?

Size of solar PV (PhotoVoltaic) system determined by:

• Available roof space, orientation (south facing/tilt angle)

& shading

• Percentage of annual energy consumption homeowner

wants to offset with solar (also consider summer/winter

highs/lows)

• Net-metering potential (AC power sent back to the grid)

• Budget


Roof space, orientation, shading

South

20 deg 20 deg

Oncor Incentive Information http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/index.aspx?id=solar-pv-homes

http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/index.aspx?id=solar-pv-homes







What percentage of annual energy consumption do you

want to offset with solar?

Note: assume 1kW installed PV solar = four solar panels, 250 Watts each


Net-metering

• Sometimes PV systems produce more energy than you are using (inflow),

so electricity flows back to the grid (outflow) and is used by closest

consumers/neighbors on the grid

• Texas does not have a state mandated net-metering provision in place, but

some Retail Electric Providers (REP) will pay you for the outflow (limits

may apply) See PSA blog post for more info –

http://www.planosolar.org/2013/08/the-real-power-to-choose.html?m=1

• PV system size and energy production should be considered (avoid

oversizing)

Note: Contact your state legislators and ask them to establish statewide net

metering policies (like the 43 other states that already have net metering

policies in place)

Net-metering example using annual data - Inflow from grid -> 7818 kWh - Solar energy produced -> 3551 kWh - Outflow -> 1232 kWh (net-metered) - Net consumption = Inflow + Solar - Outflow = 10,137 kWh











File: 2014-01 Solarize Networking Event Slide 31 Reference: http://www.txspc.com/how-solar-power-works.html

Making a long term INVESTMENT in LOCALLY generated power

Equipment and Installation Costs Are Upfront

NO ONGOING FUEL COSTS Total PV Solar system costs = Equipment costs + Installation

Related costs Equipment related • Solar panels • Inverter(s) • Mounting hardware • Wiring, disconnects, junction boxes,

monitoring devices, misc items

Installation related • Site assessment • System design for specific installation • Installation drawings • Permits, inspections • Labor to install and commission system

Total PV Solar systems are generally

priced as • $ per installed Watt • $ per installed kW (kilowatt)










• Key Assumptions:

o If installed retail cost of $3.75/watt (example price per watt)

o South facing exposure for solar panels (typical panel (3' x 5') is rated at about 240W dc)

o In North Texas area, 1 kWdc-p creates about 1,400 kWh per year

o Annual electricity usage for this example is 10,000 kWh

• Then some example system size/production calculations would be:

o 10 panels - approx 2.4kW PV solar, produce 3,360 kWh, approx 34% of your annual usage



• System Cost Calculations for SMALL system (10 panels):

o 2400 Wdc-p (2.4kWdc-p) installed system at $3.75/W = $9,000

o Less $1.25/W approx Oncor incentive for 2013, then = $1.25 x 2400 = $3,000

o Apply 30% tax credit to total installed cost less incentive, $6,000 * .3 = $1,800

o Net cost to customer = $9,000 - $3,000 - $1,800 = $4,200, or $1.75/Wdc-p

• Using 25 years lifetime, a 2.4kWdc-p system will produce:

o 25 years x 3,360 kWh = 84,000 kWh

o Net installed system cost $4,200 divided by 84,000 kWh = $0.05/kWh (not including O&M

or module time degradation, which are really not significant to this cost calculation)

o Already less than the $0.08-$0.13/kWh typical utility cost today, and then FREE!

• Note - PV solar systems produce electricity for a long time – 30-40 years or more

PV Solar Cost Example $9,000 Total Installed Cost -$3,000 utility incentive $6,000 sub-total price paid -$1,800 30% Federal ITC $4,200 net system cost

Example system sizes

Small Medium Large


Other Considerations/Notes

• Micro-inverters can help with shading

• Lack of south facing roof area may limit system size

• Roof condition and structure (age, adequate bracing)

• Electrical panel age and available breaker locations

• PV system (retail value) should be added to homeowners insurance policy

• Property tax exemptions are in place for renewable energy systems

• Hail damage?

• Financial and economic considerations - solar purchase is a long term investment, leasing is an

option

• Operations & Maintenance

• HOA

• HB-362 passed in the 82nd Legislative session, 2011

• www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/html/HB00362F.htm

• HOA's can't prohibit homeowners from installing solar

• Review the HOA Checklist on the Solar San Antonio website • http://www.solarsanantonio.org/why-go-solar/hoa/

• Notify your HOA if you plan to install PV solar, then proceed unless the HOA attempts to block.

Contact Plano Solar Advocates for assistance!

• See Solarize Plano FAQ for more details regarding financial considerations, roof condition, hail,

maintenance, etc. • https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JhHx_4kMncoWXlmIZGACPSw-7KACerQq5ngOq1ZwFD8/pub

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/html/HB00362F.htm




http://www.solarsanantonio.org/why-go-solar/hoa/

http://www.solarsanantonio.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/HOA-Checklist.pdf






https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JhHx_4kMncoWXlmIZGACPSw-7KACerQq5ngOq1ZwFD8/pub






Not a good candidate for PV Solar right now?

• What are your options if your current house layout is not good fit?

o consider a "shared"/community solar program in the future

o Switch to a Renewable Energy rate plan through your Retail

Electric Provider – increase demand for renewables!

• If not ready for other reasons, financial or otherwise

o consider re-evaluating next year, lease?

• Consider helping schools, churches or faith-based buildings, and

other buildings in the community to go solar


Solar Company Selection

• Researched and collected valuable information from the various solarize projects across the country and together an RFP document was prepared.

• RFP pricing tiers were based on ranges of total installed capacity. • lowest discount tier of <15 kW • highest discount tier of 80+ kW

• Screened potential installers with a short survey and chose 10 with good

reputations and references. 7 companies provided responses.

• RFP Review team consisted of 5-7 individual chosen from homeowners who make a commitment to install solar and answered a short survey.

• The ultimate legal/contract agreement is between the solar company and the homeowner.



Why do solar companies offer lower installed prices for solarize project? Some examples:

– Volume equipment purchases

– Smaller and known geographical area

– Single project permitting jurisdiction (city of Plano)

– Reduced customer acquisition costs

Get Together, Learn Together, Lower costs together =

Local Clean Energy Together

Solarize Plano Project Solarize Plano

Example


How do I find a PV Solar Company?

• To find a list of companies that install PV solar systems in the surrounding areas, go to the Oncor website - http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/, then

– select the "Find a Provider" tab on the far right of the upper window area

– enter your zip code (or the closest zip code to yours that is in an Oncor service area) in the appropriate field

– in the "Select Program" pull down, select "Solar Photovoltaic Residential" (or "Solar Photovoltaic Commercial" for business installations)

– in the "Select Service" pull down, select "Solar PV"

– click on the "Submit" button

• Note – It is recommended to obtain quotes from at least three companies. Also see the link below for additional guidance:

– http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/index.aspx?id=select-service-provider

http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/

http://www.takealoadofftexas.com/index.aspx?id=select-service-provider







Solarize Plano Project Stats

Contracting COMPLETED - Surpassed goal of 80 kW+ (status of 09/23/13) Number of site assessments completed - 49 total Number and size of proposals submitted to enrollees - 46 total, 225.9 kW total Number and size of contracts committed by enrollees - 23 total, 112.5 kW total

200+ Initial Enrollment 175 persons participating in Information Sessions

• PSA mission – increase awareness! 49 site assessments 23 installation contracts

• Solar company very pleased with contract closure rate > 45% • Overall results in line with other communities “first” solarize programs • Lessons learned being developed



Enrollment Data

5 2 2 37

3225

89

45

10

0

50

100

150

200

250

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2-J

un

9-J

un

16

-Ju

n

23

-Ju

n

30

-Ju

n

7-J

ul

14

-Ju

l

21

-Ju

l

28

-Ju

l

4-A

ug

Enrollment signups per week

per week

total

21

1 1

20

69

3 27

32

9

55

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

How did you learn of the Solarize Plano Project

reference

Count of reference

Get the word out – • Met with City of Plano staff who helped with Live Green in Plano Newsletter,

Facebook, Water bill insert notice, meeting rooms, link to Smart Energy Loan Program • Campaigned with website, facebook, NTREG, Rotary clubs, nextdoor.com,

neighborhood email lists, LinkedIn, email to friends, family, colleagues, etc. • All of the above helped get newspaper interest – then two newspaper articles



Enrollment Data

DP1 Data Analysis (cont)

25

170

25

Utility Provider

CoServ

Oncor Electric

(blank)

Who is your Utility Provider

Count of Please enter your name

84

57

66

12

1

Conditions of your roof

Excellent (less than fiveyears old)

Fair (eight to twelve yearsold)

Good (five to eight yearsold)

Poor (more than twelveyears old)

(blank)

26

49

142

3

Would you like financing information

No

Not sure

Yes

(blank)

99

13

108

Do you have a HOA

No

Not sure

Yes



Learning Opportunities

• North Texas Renewable Energy Group – established in 2001 with the primary goal of educating North Texans

about the power of renewable energy ("RE").

– Monthly meetings at REI Store in North Dallas

– Learn more about energy conservation, energy efficiency, solar electricity, solar hot water, and related topics

– For more info - http://www.ntreg.org

• DFW Solar Home Tour - Oct, 2014 – opportunity to tour innovative green homes and buildings to see how

you can use solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies

– Learn more at - http://www.dfwsolartour.org/

Watch for next year Oct 2014

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