providing economically advantageous solar options
Based on industry research and client need assessments, we have designed three main “packages” which our new workforce can implement and maintain over the expected life cycles of solar systems.
The Solar Energy Initiative
Identifying proper use for Underutilized property, including design, installation, and maintenance of large arrays (50kw+) fulfilling the need for solar clean energy within the school.
The Transportation Initiative
Buses and vehicle to grid technology. Incorporates the BUS, Charging Station, and Carport Array components, allowing for a clean and fuel efficient source of energy for Buses and cars alike.
The Safety Initiative
Parking lot arrays in cohesion with the police car charging stations. Along with local police department partnerships, police cars will be invited to charge their vehicles at the school, dominating a safety presence for the school while sharing local resources.
Solar Vocational Education Component
The main and most advantageous component is the Solar Vocational Education Component, serving as key differentiator in our model and offering a competitive advantage in the market. As we educate the future leaders of tomorrow, we are providing training and job specific skills in alignment with global clean energy standards. The solar education will provide a workforce of certified green energy graduates. This component is in alignment with our Corporate Mission and Value Proposition objectives. Solar Power Vendors should be encouraged (by contract) as a condition of providing their services to Maryland County Public Schools to aid in the vocational training of students in a meaningful way. Since PPA's are long term contracts, it is reasonable to assume that trained students will be hired by vendors to participate in future solar projects for the school system.
Lower Overall Energy Cost Goal Component
The Lower Overall Energy Cost Goal Component includes initiation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for power that is generated via solar power at predictable below conventional market rates for long term contract periods. This includes the installation of solar arrays in three categories including Rooftop Arrays, Ground Arrays, and Carport Arrays. The installation of Rooftop Arrays requires coordination with facility roofing time-in service and is most suited to newer buildings and those recently renovated or re-roofed. Ground arrays of larger size can be equal to numerous rooftop installations and do not require coordination with roofing lifecycles. Larger ground arrays may also be less complex contractually, (one large location as opposed to multiple rooftop locations and contracts) This concept ties into the Underutilized Property Component. Carport Arrays are another good option for off-road installations and can tie-in to the Electrical Vehicle Component.
Electrical Vehicle Program Component
The Electrical Vehicle Program Component harnesses a need as we look at the rising and fluctuating costs of fossil fuels and explore the use of electric school buses. Overall, the cost of a new electric school bus is $300,000, almost three times that of conventional buses. Yet, these new buses pay for themselves through fuel and maintenance savings in approx. 6 years. Such a program will incorporate Carport arrays and charging stations, along with the potential to set sight on underutilized properties. As of May 2018, certain Resolutions have been passed to allocate funds which will sponsor an Electric Zero Emissions School Bus Fleet program. The resolution calls for 15% of new school bus purchases to be electric vehicles by 2025, 25% by 2030, and 50% by 2050. With such lofty expectations on the not so distant horizon, it is crucial that new and emerging programs present the best possible outcomes at the most cost advantageous planning possible.
New School Design Component
The New School Design Component will incorporate and encourage the use of arrays, charging stations, and solar elements in new facilities and schools built throughout the State. The end result is a net-zero energy school. Short and Long-term goals exist for both:
Underutilized Property Component
The Underutilized Property Component will consist of an effort to put to use property that has been historically idle and includes no foreseeable development plans. Large and small ground arrays will apply as we will conduct site visits to the property to ensure feasibility and correct lines of sight.
Off - Grid Capability Component
The Off - Grid Capability Component is primarily focused on smaller stand-alone solar capabilities in specific areas as exterior parking lots, and security lighting. Existing pole lights can and will be converted into pole arrays, which will allow for the power generation of smaller projects and buildings.
Community Solar Component
The Community Solar Component is integral to our packaged and individual approaches. Partnerships are integral to the design and implementation of all components through Purchase Power Agreements. Within the above-mentioned components and packaged ideas is a notion that customization will also be essential as we strive to meet the needs of individual municipalities and school systems. We recognize Maryland as a diverse State with multifaceted needs and utilization points. Strong collaborations with our internal designers and installations teams is an integral dynamic of our approach.