4.b Twin Pine PC hearing pptTwin Pine Farm Community Solar Garden
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Community Solar Garden (CSG)
Minnesota is one of only a hand full states allowing community solar gardens
Centrally located solar array
Authorized in 2013, project applications accepted in December, 2014
Only 4 projects installed to date in Xcel territory – all by NES
Designed to make solar
energy accessible to more people – as many as 75% of residences, businesses and non-profits cannot access solar at their property
Xcel Energy service area only
Xcel customers can subscribe
for a portion of the system production
Subscribers can be residential, commercial, non-profit, or government
Subscribers must be in same or contiguous county of CSG (Washington, Chisago,
Anoka, Ramsey, Dakota)
No individual subscriber can subscribe for more than 40% of total system production
1 megawatt size limit per CSG, but 5 – 1 megawatt sized projects could be co-located
if application submitted prior to September, 2015
Keeps electric $ local to support the local economy
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CSG Benefits
Solar energy saves subscribers money.
Provides added value to land or rooftops
Allows landowners another value option on their property
Serves as land conservation practice – does not change the underlying nature of the
land
Panels have 25 year warranties, with life expectancy in excess of 35 years
Agreement with Xcel Energy for 25 years
Reduces dependence and harmful impact of carbon-based fuels –
manufacturing of solar panels and related equipment far less of a pollutant than oil and gas electric production
A competitive or cheaper fuel source when factoring all federal incentives
for oil, natural gas, coal, wind and solar
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New Xcel pole – 32’
Twin Pine layout with added notes based on Xcel Area Designer site visit
Existing road adequate per Xcel
Existing Xcel pole
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Indicative photo without ground planting
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Conditions of Permit
The project will not disturb more than 50 cubic yards or 1000 square feet. Hole drilling for the foundations, new pole, and the batten board will be the only soil disturbance activity
(<125 sq. ft.)
No soil piles, grade or fill activities will take place
A new Xcel pole will be placed <20’ from existing pole on north of buildings (see powerpoint layout with notes)
Underground
wires will run from the solar array to a batten board with meters, and connect to the new Xcel pole (32’ above ground height)
The new Xcel pole will connect with overhead wires to the
existing Xcel pole
Signage will only be the required signage per the National Electrical Code, Xcel Energy tariff requirements, and local requirements
NES will stake location of wetland
boundaries, fence and solar structure
A landscape plan will be discussed during the Planning Commission site visit – vehicles traveling on Lofton Ave. have <5 seconds of possible viewing
of project
Existing trees prevent any view from neighboring properties and TH 97
NES will work with the landowner to select a ground cover mix consistent with guidelines from the MN
DNR Prairie Establishment & Maintenance Technical Guidance for Solar Projects
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CSG Transaction Flow
Guaranteed savings with $0 down and no on-going charges
Xcel Energy
CSG
Subscriber
CSG power sent to Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy provides credit to subscriber
Subscriber pays CSG
Xcel Energy credit is more than payment to CSG
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Additional information
Community solar gardens make good neighbors
Consistent with City Goals and Objectives of the Comprehensive Plan
Solar is able to meet all performance standards and other land use requirements
The City of Scandia is a leader in
renewable energy with the Fire Hall project
Interconnection to existing electric grid infrastructure
Solar production is passive – no noise, dust, or other disturbances
Panels are non-reflective
– designed to capture the sun, not reflect it
No moving parts, no noise, similar reflectivity as water
System monitored remotely – only access 2-3 times per year for grounds maintenance
System
puts no additional burden on local services such as parks, schools, roads, sewer, water, etc.
Limited term of use
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Novel Energy Solutions
NES is proud to serve the people of Minnesota
Minnesota owned and operated company
Provide complete energy management services
Experience with hundreds of solar installations – including City of Scandia Fire Hall array
Specialize
in agriculture, community solar gardens, and rural Minnesota solar efforts
Minnesota based company helping build local Minnesota economies through electric savings
Focus on local subscribers
including residential, agriculture and small business
NES has developed and constructed the four community solar gardens in the Xcel Energy territory
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