SOLAR PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR NATIONAL GRID TJ Murphy Project Developer Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. (978) 513-2622 [email protected]Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 1 of 859
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Attachments Attachment 1: Borrego Solar Audited Financial Statements 2012-2013 Attachment 2: Solar PV Array Info Sheet Attachment 3: Plan Set from Beverly, MA Project Attachment 4: Quality Assurance Log-Beverly, MA project Attachment 4.1: Beverly MA Project Construction Controls and Corresponding Reports
Attachment 5: Testing and Commissioning Document Attachment 6: O&M Contract Based on NG RFP Draft O&M Requirements Attachment 7: Evaluation Criteria Attachment 8: Advanced Inverter Controls
Attachment 9: Example SLDs with TriMark SCADA Controls
Attachment 10: Site Descriptions Attachment 11: Exceptions
Attachment 11.1: Proposed Legal Revisions to the Contract
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Cover Letter Arthur Scott, Senior Purchasing Agent National Grid 175 East Old Country Road. Hicksville, NY 11801-4280 Re: Borrego Solar Proposal for National Grid’s 20MW Solar Phase II Initiative Dear Arthur, Thank you for the opportunity to provide National Grid with a proposal for multiple projects. We are excited by the prospect of being one of National Grid’s partners in construction, and we are confident that the information contained in this proposal will showcase our technical acumen, corporate experience and a wealth of development expertise to execute on these projects. We have thoroughly reviewed the provisions of the RFP and the proposal presented here is in compliance with those specifications. We have specifically used the same outline format as the RFP to make the response easily navigable for National Grid. Additionally we have included an attachment which is a complete written response to your evaluation criteria, point by point, with references to included content of our response. Borrego Solar has developed and installed more PV in the Commonwealth than any other company. To date in MA we have over 50 MW of completed projects and another 40 MW are at various stages of development. We consider ourselves a Developer EPC, and feel that this model is perfect for what National Grid is trying to achieve with the Solar Phase II Initiative. Traditional developers have similar models to Borrego, but they don’t often operate with the mindset of a solar construction company. Borrego Solar has the proven ability to deliver the projects presented in this proposal on time and on budget with over 96 MW of experience in the design and build of commercial solar projects. National Grid will want to have the accountability of a mature developer that can bring realistic projects to closure. In this proposal we assembled a large group of well vetted projects. We’ve also aimed to specifically design a repeatable product offering of viable sites that National Grid can have confidence in successful completion by May 2015. Just as importantly, we have taken great care to work with well-established vendors to provide a state of the art system design that meets National Grid’s advanced inverter control requirements and control systems. This submission includes 38 sites totaling of 29.5 MW for National Grid’s consideration. Interconnection applications and entitlement are already in progress on 10 of the 38 projects. Further, several of our submissions include a 1 MW, 650 kW and a 500 kW option. We understand that National Grid’s objective is to monitor and study various PV project capacities in a variety of interconnection scenarios. Borrego Solar clearly understands this goal and our aim in this proposal was to provide National Grid with a wide spectrum of projects in various areas with various levels of DG saturation.
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Site control has been established for all of our proposed sites. The specific form of site control (option to lease or letter of intent) is indicated in the site description attachment for each site. Our landowners are motivated to make these projects a reality, and we will leverage our experience and skills to help NGrid finalize the lease negotiations as needed. As National Grid considers its options for solar development and construction partners, we hope you will take into consideration Borrego Solar’s key strengths:
1. Integrated Development and EPC Services: Borrego Solar offers the full suite of core
competencies necessary to develop and commission large-scale solar PV projects. We have a staff of over 100 full-time employees, including a 19-person engineering team, regional construction managers and site supervisors and a regionally specialized development team. Full-time Borrego staff members will control every stage of the project life cycle – from site feasibility through permitting and. Many solar developers bid on projects before identifying the design and construction resources they will use to execute those projects; this opens the way for schedule delays and cost increases, which might threaten the projects’ funding. Borrego Solar’s all-in-one project approach offers National Grid the opportunity to mitigate construction, budget and timeline risks. Our end-to-end project staff has worked together to commission nearly 100 MW of fully operational solar, and in the process we have created a productive synergy that cannot be reproduced through ad-hoc project teaming arrangements.
2. Policy and Regulatory Expertise: Borrego Solar has been in business for 33 years and building solar in MA for the last seven. We operated profitably through the inception, peak and sunset of numerous incentive programs in many different markets and have flourished in northeast, particularly in Massachusetts. Because solar is still reliant on government funding mechanisms to allow projects to achieve a return that spurs investment, it is essential that responsible solar firms keep abreast of legislative and regulatory developments and develop explicit strategies for taking full advantage of them.
3. Excellence in Corporate Governance: Borrego Solar has grown steadily and profitably year after year, creating a project portfolio of successful solar installations that are completed on time, on budget, and which frequently exceed electricity production goals. Our record is a testament to industry-leading technical expertise, superior construction quality, and sound financial planning. Our in-house quality control department makes certain that we install only the best solar equipment in the industry, complemented by custom warranty terms that reinforce the safety of our clients’ investments. Our operations and maintenance team keeps close tabs on the performance of all the systems in our actively managed portfolio while executing a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan at each site to ensure optimal performance and to minimize down-time.
4. The Ability to Identify and Develop Efficient Projects: We have one of the most experienced project development teams in the Commonwealth. Our team is skilled at
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identifying and proposing projects that meet and exceed pre-defined goals and criteria. In some cases that criteria is to provide a return on investment and in others, like the case of this RFP it is to provide a platform for research of PV impact on the utility grid. In this case, our development team filtered through hundreds of sites and in this proposal we are presenting National Grid with our 38 sites that best fit the criteria outlined in the NGrid Solar Phase II Initiative with an emphasis on:
a. Limited Civil Expenses – sites are primarily close to the P.O.C., are relatively flat, and require limited clearing, grubbing and grading.
b. Low Utility Upgrade Expenses & a variety of interconnection conditions – We have reviewed screening memos for our sites and have selected sites where we expect low upgrade costs. We have made some exceptions based on NGrid’s request to have some sites on feeders that are heavily loaded already with DG.
c. Entitlement – We have all of the major engineering stamps in house including civil, electrical and structural. We can stamp our own plans and complete the majority of the civil engineering work in house. This means a more efficient project for NGrid and a shorter permitting schedule.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with National Grid to fully develop and construct several projects. Thank you once again for allowing us to participate in your process at this stage.
Sincerely,
TJ Murphy
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1. Bidder Information
a) Form of legal entity and year established Borrego Solar is one of the most experienced solar power providers in the nation. Our corporation was founded in 1980 and we have actively participated in the grid-connected solar electric market since 1999.
b) Location Borrego Solar’s largest regional office is located in Lowell, MA. We are well-equipped and prepared to meet any construction and installation deadlines that National Grid imposes. The address and contact information for our Lowell office is listed below:
New England Regional Office 1115 Westford Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell MA 01851 Phone: (888) 898-6273
Fax: (888) 843-6778
c) Changes in ownership Borrego Solar has not undergone any changes in ownership over the past 10 years.
d) Outstanding Lawsuits and Disputes Neither Borrego Solar nor any of its executive officers or team members have been party to a lawsuit involving the design, installation, or maintenance of a solar PV collection system, or related to a power purchase agreement. We have not been debarred, suspended, or otherwise prohibited from practice by any federal, state, or local agency.
e) General Reputation and Performance Capabilities Borrego Solar is a leading national provider of large scale commercial and governmental solar solutions. We maintain the in-house ability to design, engineer, permit, procure, project-manage, install, commission, interconnect, inspect, finance and claim incentives for large-scale, grid-connected solar electric systems. Borrego Solar’s longstanding presence in the industry has yielded these accomplishments:
Over 1,000+ grid-connected PV installations (250+ commercial installations)
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More than 96 MW of completed solar electric projects (with over 65 additional MW currently within the design and construction stages)
Completed more MW of solar in Massachusetts than any other developer, with more than 50 MW installed (with over 40 MW currently within the design and construction stages)
64 MW of solar electric systems installed under a Power Purchase Agreement (with more than 31 additional MW currently within the design and construction stages)
50 MW of solar electric systems installed for public/municipal agencies (with more than 32 additional MW currently within the design and construction stages)
Experience working with a variety of clients including utilities, commercial entities, governmental organizations, municipalities, public and private schools and universities, real estate firms, affordable housing developers, general contractors and non-profit organizations
f) Years providing services Our 30+ years of experience in the solar industry and proven track record of PV problem-solving make us an ideal, low risk partner for National Grid.
g) Employees Borrego Solar currently employs over 100 trained solar professionals, and over 50 of these full-time employees are located in Massachusetts.
h) Accreditations and qualifications for work In addition to our state-specific Electrician and Construction Licenses, we have an in-house team of MA licensed Professional Structural, Civil, and Electrical Engineers (PE) and nearly 20% of our staff is certified via NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Our current Massachusetts licenses are:
Mass. Corp. Certificate #000955612
MA DCAM Certification #08-2070
i) Funding sources
Financing Experience Borrego Solar is one of the most sophisticated and successful developers of solar projects in the United States. We have a history of providing both construction finance and third-party owned finance (PPAs) for our projects. Our strong balance sheet and profitable history allows us to carry significant amounts of capital when called for. Over the past year, we have provided over $15 million in construction financing to our customers. We have over $2.5 million cash on hand and lines of credit totaling $25 million with Bank of the West, Citibank and Taipei Fubon.
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Over the course of six years of uninterrupted PPA project development we have also secured financing on 64 MW of solar PV projects – an aggregate investment of over $250 million. Our approach to project finance encompasses two commonly used strategies for funding projects, allowing us to have the “best of both worlds” by employing the financing structure that best fits each state, market, project and client. The first strategy involves our own in-house capital leveraged through our sister company, Green Lake Capital (GLC), as an integrated PPA product. GLC is the conduit for sponsor equity contributions to Borrego Solar projects through funding from our mutual parent company, Walsin Lihwa. Lenders and tax equity investors round out the investment structure and bring down the total cost of capital for committed groups of projects, which we call “solar funds.” To date, we have closed five solar funds with our sister company. The second finance strategy is our project development and marketing program, managed by Borrego Solar’s in-house project finance team. This group is tasked with developing the investment plan for each solar project Borrego Solar executes by pairing projects with reliable, market-savvy third-party investors in markets where our sister company does not operate or where there are otherwise benefits of doing so.
Financial Stability Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. has been in the solar electric business since 1980, making us one of the oldest companies in the industry. As a result of the company’s focus on downstream solar project activity in the United States, we have been able to perform very well despite some of the challenges that solar panel manufacturers and European project companies have faced over the last couple years. Our company is profitable by all accounting standards (some solar companies report non-GAAP to avoid showing GAAP losses) and growing. Over the last four years the company has significantly improved virtually every financial metric, including revenues, net profit and shareholder equity. Borrego Solar has demonstrated steady growth throughout the past several years with 2013 being our most successful to date. Our audited financial statements, included within Attachment 1, show $136 million in revenue and $4.2 million in after-tax net profit in 2013. All profits have been reinvested back into the company and Borrego expects to continue to grow profitably. Borrego Solar is a 70% owned subsidiary of the Walsin Lihwa Corporation (Walsin). Walsin is a 55-year-old publicly-traded Taiwanese manufacturing company with over $6 billion (U.S.) in revenue. As a subsidiary, Borrego Solar is audited twice a year to public company standards. Borrego Solar maintains strong banking relationships with multiple financial institutions. The company has lines of credit with Bank of the West, Citibank and Taipei Fubon, totaling $25 million. All lines of credit are in good standing and are within covenant. Additionally, Borrego Solar has procured financing for solar projects from notable institutions including East West Bank, US Bank and National Cooperative Bank.
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Borrego Solar is fully insured by top rated companies that provide the company with General Liability, Automobile, EPLI, Property and substantial Excess Liability coverage. Borrego Solar is in good standing with our surety companies—Zurich North America (rate A+) and Hanover Insurance Company (rated A)—and has qualified for bonding on projects up to $25,000,000. We have the capacity and ability to support a work program of over $150,000,000. Borrego Solar maintains a D&B rating of 3A1 from Dun & Bradstreet.
j) Audited Financial Statement Copies of Borrego Solar’s confidential 2012-2013 audited financial statements can be found at the end of this proposal within Attachment 1.
k) Pipeline of contracted/anticipated projects Borrego Solar currently has over 58 MW of solar PV array projects under construction on the East Coast, including over 46 MW in Massachusetts alone. Our Operations team is well-equipped to handle 15 jobs any given time. Additionally, our Engineering team typically allows for about 24 projects at a time, or approximately 50 MW. Our engineers can currently take on an additional 25 MW of projects in the design and development phases and are well equipped to meet National Grid’s aggressive timelines for this initiative.
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2. Experience and Project References
a) Similar projects for roof-mounted and ground-mounted PV systems
Borrego Solar has over 30 years of experience delivering turnkey solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions. With nearly 100 MW of solar completed or under construction in the Commonwealth, our research indicates we have interconnected more commercial projects in the state than any other provider. A sample list of references is provided below in Section 2.d, and we have included a copy of our Construction & Design set of plans for a 2.6 MW project in Beverly, MA that is finalizing construction now (see Attachment 3). Although no two projects are exactly the same, the sites we’ve identified on our own, along with the National Grid sites provided, mirror the composition of projects we’ve successfully built in the Commonwealth.
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b) Capability to design, engineer, and construct PV systems
The figure below is a visual representation of Borrego Solar’s approach to solar PV design and development. Borrego personnel control each stage of project execution, from the initial site feasibility to the long term operations and maintenance. As a “one-stop-shop” we are your main point of contact throughout the life of your solar system construction and operation, giving you the best customer service for the long term.
Borrego Solar’s Project Developers and Applications Engineers have in-depth experience with solar in Massachusetts and will move these projects from feasibility to design, determining the most ideal energy producing systems, given the site characteristics and National Grid’s individual project goals. Our Finance team will work with these criteria to determine the best options for minimizing liens on the project when National Grid takes title. Our system designers will then move the projects through permitting and work with our Procurement team to obtain high quality equipment for the installation. All of our engineering is handled in-house, so our team of licensed PEs can quickly and smoothly solve design obstacles and efficiently obtain permits, even for complex projects or those having multiple AHJs. As a technology agnostic PV provider with long standing industry relationships, we source products from a variety of tier one, credit-worthy manufacturers with custom negotiated
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warranties. All products are vetted and approved by our in-house quality assurance team, known internally as the Resources Group. This team of veterans, in collaboration with our Design and Professional Engineering departments, has established processes to maintain quality control. With their support Borrego Solar has refined production modeling and maintains a historical average of 102% actual production compared to what we model. The Resources Group has also implemented solar design and construction standards that have improved efficiency and reduced installation costs and time. One tool they’ve implemented to improve the quality of our system designs is the creation of a 200-point design checklist that is reviewed and used at three different points throughout the solar design and commissioning process. After the Development and Design phases, the project will be handed off to a single project manager and site superintendent who will direct work at the sites, managing the installation team and controlling the budget. This dedicated team of solar installation experts will partner with qualified, local general and electrical subcontractors during the physical installation of National Grid’s solar power installations. Borrego Solar shall maintain contact through weekly overview meetings with the client and daily site strategy meetings with our subcontractors, project partners and relevant client representatives. Borrego Solar’s Project Managers and Site Superintendents will manage subcontractors before, during and after the installation process and hold them to the same leading safety and quality standards we’ve been known for since 1980. We can provide a copy of our Health and Safety Plan upon request. Once the solar installation is built and is connected to the grid, Borrego Solar can provide additional services both on-site through our Operations and Maintenance plans and within the community through our Marketing team. Our standard O&M offering includes semi-annual site assessments, preventative maintenance checks and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure your system’s continuous operation. This plan can easily be adapted to meet the unique requirements of National Grid and this RFP. Details of our O&M offering can be found later in the proposal within Section 4. Operations and Maintenance (“O&M”). In addition to on-site care, Borrego Solar can work with the National Grid team to develop a full marketing strategy to help the public understand your overall sustainability and energy goals and appreciate how these systems ultimately minimize rate-payer impact in the long-run, by creating local jobs, supporting our nation’s energy independence, and improving the environment for future generations.
c) Capability to construct PV systems (60 kW to 1 MW) Borrego Solar has installed dozens of projects in this size range. Each of Borrego Solar’s installations is overseen by experienced project managers who are assisted by a site superintendent. These individuals are tasked with choosing qualified subcontractors from our preapproved list of electrical and civil construction firms. Our project managers utilize a pre-qualification process to ensure that our subcontractors have extensive experience in their field, offer great quality at competitive prices, and show proof of a stellar OSHA safety record. The site superintendents are Borrego Solar’s quality ambassadors on the job site. They oversee the
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entire installation process and commission the completed solar array, securing permission to operate from National Grid. Given the tight timelines, regulatory oversight, and catastrophic acceptance clauses contemplated in this RFP, having vast amounts of experience matters. Our project managers participate from the onset of the sales cycle, offering an experienced opinion to our solar design engineers as the project advances through the design stage. This will be especially critical for these projects given some of the non-standard requirements. Construction risks are mitigated from a collaborative, interdepartmental handoff meeting that takes place between the Design, Engineering, Project Management and Operations teams. In addition, while the projects are being built there are regularly scheduled design clarifications and audits that take place between the Construction and Engineering & Design teams. Before commissioning, the project manager and site supervisor review the Quality Assurance log and Construction Control reports (see Attachment 4 and Attachment 4.1) to ensure that the system has been installed in a manner consistent with Borrego Solar’s commitment to excellence in solar design and construction.
d) List of references from previous customers
Plymouth Public Schools Ground-mounted installation Contract Amount: $ 16,513,126 180 Brook Street Plympton, MA 02367 System Size: 5.59 MW Completed: 10/11/2013 Landowner: John Norrie [email protected] (781) 585-9920 Yingli/Sharp/Inventec modules SMA Central Inverters Sunlink Ground- Mount Solution AlsoEnergy PowerTrack (DAS) *Financed via Borrego Solar’s In-House PPA
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RGHRT - Braley 1 Ground-mounted installation Contract Amount: $6,425,765 117 Braley Road Freetown, MA 02717 System Size: 1.95 MW Completed: 12/18/2012 Landowner: Jason Ritter (774) 264-0017 [email protected] Yingli 240 W modules SMA Central Inverters Terra Farm Ground- Mount Solution AlsoEnergy PowerTrack (DAS) *Financed via Borrego Solar’s In-House PPA
Town of Dartmouth Ground-mounted installation on landfill Contract Amount: $4,600,159 976 Russell Mills Road Dartmouth, MA 02747 System Size: 1.29 MW Completed: 3/29/2013 David Cressman – Town Administrator (508) 910-1813 [email protected] Yingli 240 W modules SMA Central Inverters Solar FlexRack Ground-Mount Solution AlsoEnergy PowerTrack (DAS) *Financed via Borrego Solar’s In-House PPA
Koopman Lumber Rooftop installation for Lumber Distributor Contract Amount: $1,375,288 82 Worcester Street Grafton, MA 01536 System Size: 335 kW Completed: 12/30/2011 Mike Staiti (developer) (978) 355-2343 [email protected] Yingli 260 W modules Satcon Central Inverters UniRac SolarMount Racking Power One Aurora Vision (DAS) *Financed via third Party PPA
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Wilson Language Training Center Educational Institution Contract Amount: $1,193,054 47 Old Webster Road Oxford, MA 01540 System Size: 139 kW Completed: 12/1/2008 Bert Baldarelli, Director of Financial Services (508) 368-6627 [email protected] Sanyo 195 W Modules Satcon 135 kW Inverter SunLink Racking Power One Aurora Vision (DAS)
A.D. Makepeace Cranberry Grower and Landowner Contract Amount: $ 17,591,880 27 Charlotte Furnace Road Wareham, MA 02576 System Size: 4.73 MW Completed: 4/13/2012 Jim Kane (508) 728-0476 [email protected]
Yingli 230 W modules SMA Central Inverters Schletter Ground- Mount Solution PowerDash Monitoring System *Financed via Borrego Solar’s In-House PPA
Reed Road Solar Farm Independent Developer Contract Amount: $4,691,520 968 Old Reed Road Dartmouth, MA 02747 System Size: 1.30 MW Completed: 5/25/2012 Peter Hawes (508) 965-0253 [email protected] Yingli 235 W modules SMA Central Inverters Schletter Ground- Mount Solution PowerDash Monitoring System *Financed via Borrego Solar’s In-House PPA
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Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Contract Amount: $903,606 190 Tafts Ave Winthrop, MA 02152 System Size:100 KW Completed: 5/9/2008 Kristen Patneaude, Project Manager (617) 660-7871 [email protected] Evergreen 190W Modules Solectria Inverter Power One Aurora Vision PBI Package Revenue Grade DAS
SM Lorusso Construction Sand & Gravel Contract Amount: $552,811 331 West St. Walpole, MA 02081 System Size: 98 kW Completed 6/10/2010 Joe Stafford, Vice President (508) 668-2600 x. 205 [email protected] Sharp 235 W Modules Solectria Inverter SunLink Racking Power One Aurora Vision (DAS)
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a) Description of each proposed PV system We have worked hard to de-risk this whole process for National Grid. By focusing on projects that could be built and financed by Borrego Solar in the event we are unsuccesful in this RFP, we have provided ourselves with a safety net that supports furthering the development of the majority of sites even in the absence of an award. In January of this year, we embarked on a campaign to identify land in the National Grid target areas that met the following criteria:
Parcels of 3 acres or more in one of the 27 named communities
Three – phase lines within 500’ of the array
Minimal tree clearing or grading work required
Easy access from a public way
Neutral impact to abutters and neighbors
No natural heritage issues on-site
Minimal encroachment to wetlands
Solar by-laws or experience permitting in the community was also considered, but not used as a filter
With this set of guideposts, we did a direct mail campaign, enlisted the help of partners, and prospected directly for land-owners that would be interested in entering into a long term lease for their property. Over 150 people expressed interest in this arrangement and we performed a desktop review of each one. For those properties that met our filters we submitted pre-applications to National Grid to better understand the impact an array might have on the local distribution system. For projects that had ‘favorable’ reports from our pre-applications, we executed LOIs with the land-owners and started the process of civil entitlement and interconnection applications. Because we have no assurance from National Grid at this point that these projects will be awarded through this RFP process, we sized each installation to be 650 kW DC to take the most advantage of the ‘unmanaged market’ allocation in the SREC2 program. Knowing that we can build these systems on our own, even in the absence of an award through this RFP, allowed us to take on what would otherwise be an intolerable risk for development spending. While our interconnection applications for most of these projects are submitted with a 684 kW AC / 684 kW DC system in mind, we have been considerate of National Grid’s criteria in our development. In most cases we have presented options in this proposal to construct a system at each site that is either 498 kW AC/DC, 684 kW AC/DC, or a 1 MW AC/DC. While many of the interconnection applications (IAs) we’ve already submitted are only for 684 kW at this point, we reserve the option for submitting an additional IA upon award which would double the size of the system for the purposes of this RFP. Likewise, while our fall-back is to build these sytems on
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our own, we have initiated civil permitting with the flexibility to build up to 1 MW DC on most sites. For projects with what would conventionallly be considered ‘unfavorable’ interconnection characteristics, but where there was strong interest on the part of the land-owner, we still executed LOIs to define the business terms of the transaction but did not move forward at-risk with submitting IAs or formally initiating the permitting process. Given National Grid’s unique intentions for this soliciation, these sites may in fact offer ideal characteristics for understanding the penetration of distributed PV, but otherwise are not great for private development.
b) Energy production capacity methodology with results in Solar PV Array Info Sheet (see Attachment 2) Production estimates for the project were created using PVSyst, which simulates production for solar generating systems, and weather data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)’s Solar Power Prospector. The weather data includes satellite data from 1998 to 2005, and is available in a resolution of ten-kilometer square grids across the United States. Borrego Solar has created our own module and inverter files to use in the production models. These files have been created through close collaboration with the module manufacturer and an independent engineering firm, and are intended to more accurately represent the real-world performance of the components than the default files that are available with PVSyst. Further, Borrego Solar does not accept PVSyst’s default derate factors. Instead, we specified derate factors based on our experience with real-world systems, internally developed models and algorithms, and strict design standards. These derate factors account for losses such as efficiency loss at high temperatures, reflectivity, soiling, wiring losses, light-induced degradation, low light losses and product deviation from nameplate power. Borrego Solar’s production logic has been validated against actual performance at many locations across the United States. Having been in business for over 30 years and having access to historical production data from our past installations, we have a long track record of accurately predicting PV system performance. Most of our weather data assumptions come from NREL, but we often make adjustments when our real-life production data is not in line. Borrego Solar has applications engineers in every region assigned to validating and fine-tuning our production estimates beyond the data that is available industry-wide. By making our production estimates as precise as possible, we are able to refine our financial models and accurately predict your return on investment. For detailed information on each proposed site’s energy production, please reference Attachment 2.
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c) Description of proposed site preparation work Identifying sites that required minimal site preparation was a primary driver in our effort. While there is good reason for National Grid to choose sites with diverse interconnection characteristics, positive civil attributes for the system are always in the rate-payers’ interest. Even though each project is unique, we’ve tried to homogenize the starting points through careful selection and vetting. Permitting is, in fact, the first step in defining the required site preparation. Borrego Solar’s team of professional civil and structural engineers have decades of combined experience permitting projects throughout the Commonwealth. We endeavor to be good neighbors and always pay close attention to the potential for abutter concerns and take our responsibilities as stewards of the environment very seriously. Our construction standards are based on years of value engineering experience in every aspect of the construction procces. As noted, we have shepharded nearly 100 MW of systems through the entitlement and permitting process, which drives site preparation and environmental management orders of conditions in each community we work in. As good environmental stewards, we strive to have the least impact on each site we develop by understanding the latest practices in all aspects of civil, electrical, structural and solar construction disciplines. We are experts in land development and siting solar systems with the successful completion of almost 100 MW of construction to date. A summary of required site preperation is described in more detail in Attachment 2 (Solar PV Array Info Sheet) and Attachment 10 (Site Descriptions).
d) Sample for system’s testing and commissioning protocol
Interconnection & Commissioning
Utility grid interconnection constitutes some of the most important and planning-intensive work of a grid-tied PV system. Utility rules for the interconnection of distributed generation (DG) systems are necessarily rigorous in order to ensure both the safe functioning of those systems and the consistent operation of the grid as a whole. In some cases, major on-site and off-site infrastructure upgrades are required in order to accommodate the additional power being fed into the grid. These upgrades can be expensive, and solar developers must make appropriate cost estimates when presenting system pricing to their clients at the time of contract signing. Without a comprehensive understanding and strategic approach to interconnection for each project, solar developers can drastically overshoot their initial budgets and project schedules, costing their clients energy savings. Borrego Solar has successfully interconnected over 1,000 solar PV systems spread across a number of regions and utility territories in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
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23
and Texas. While each electric utility company manages the interconnection of distributed generation in a slightly different way, most institute the same general process, and so every system Borrego designs, builds, and commissions informs the interconnection strategy for the next. When appropriate, Borrego solicits the services of interconnection sub-consultants with deep knowledge of local grid infrastructure and utility policies. Please reference Attachment 5 for our Testing and Commisioning Document for National Grid.
e) Schedule for system’s engineering, procurement, and construction Borrego Solar is accustomed to building projects under aggressive timelines. Working in a subsidized industry we are often faced with deadlines that have catastrophic financial consequences. In addition to all the talent and capacity we’ve already highlighted in our proposal which evidences our throughput, the strategy we’ve employed in submitting sites that otherwise would be financed internally with a Managed Market allocation gives us a distinct advantage when deciding how much risk to take on before and after an award from National Grid. We have considered our methodology carefully. With Interconnection Applications sized to avoid Impact Studies and a streamlined approach to civil entitlement, we are confident we can get all our permissions in place within three months of starting the process. Even with a July starting point for projects initiated upon RFP award, this still provides a reasonable timeline for constructing a significant tranche of projects between 500 - 1,000 kW. Examples of project specific timelines are included in Attachment 2 with each project description.
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4. Operations and Maintenance (“O&M”)
a) Capability and cost to provide system’s operation and maintenance Borrego Solar offers a comprehensive O&M plan that gives customers peace of mind that their system is continually performing at its peak capability, and that any system irregularities are quickly and thoroughly addressed.
Borrego Solar’s O&M Director is Matt Murphy, and is stationed in New England and is prepared to address any issues that arise. Our O&M Department has full-time staff who are responsible for monitoring the systems under his management on a daily basis, ensuring that they are producing as expected given real-time seasonal and weather conditions. For more detailed information on our offerings, please refer to O&M Contract within Attachment 6.
Typical site inspection and preventative maintenance
Solar modules are warrantied for 25 years; Borrego Solar believes that your system will produce valuable electricity for longer than that. However, the system will require some maintenance to perform at its peak. Our O&M department will visit your site in the spring to ensure that your system is ready to produce at maximum capacity during the valuable summer months. During this visit, the technician will:
Wash your modules, clearing them of any accumulated dust, which lowers production;
Visually inspect the system for any loose wiring or other safety and performance
hazards, like tree growth;
Log current readings of all of the system’s strings, the instantaneous output of the
inverters, the operating voltage at the inverters, and the cumulative lifetime production
indicated on the inverters;
Check the wires running from the modules to the combiner box to ensure there is no
loose or disconnected wiring, and tighten any loose connections;
Check all of the combiner boxes and replace any blown fuses;
Check that all of the support structures for the equipment, like the array frames, racks
and metal boxes, are securely connected;
Ensure that all labels and safety signs specified in the as-built plans are still in place;
Check that all of the disconnect switches are functional;
Visually inspect the array for cracked or otherwise damaged modules, and record the
location of any that will need to be replaced;
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Inspect the site for any indications that tree growth may, or may in the future, shade
the array, and notify the customer if any tree maintenance will be required for
maximum production;
Check and confirm the proper torque settings of the wire terminations;
Check and log the voltages of all of the module stringing;
Check the calibration on the weather sensors, which are an important tool in
determining if your system is performing as expected given local conditions;
Check the calibration on the metering equipment;
Visually inspect and plug and receptacle connectors between the modules and panels
to ensure they are fully engaged, and tighten any that are loose;
Check that the strain reliefs/cable clamps are properly installed on all cables and cords
by pulling on them to verify, and tighten any that are loose;
Perform the preventative maintenance recommended by the inverter manufacturer,
including cleaning inverter air filters, verifying up-to-date software releases, and
verifying the system is operating as expected, per the terms of the warranty;
Create and issue a written inspection report.
b) Location of closest PV service and maintenance professionals Our O&M Team, operating out of Lowell, MA, will be responsible for monitoring each solar system on a daily basis, ensuring that it is producing as expected given real-time seasonal and weather conditions. We receive service alerts directly from our chosen data acquisition system, Tri Mark Systems. While these alerts are sometimes notifications that the system isn’t producing electricity, they are more often reflective of system disturbances, communication problems, or lower-than-expected performance from the system. One of the reasons we’ve chosen to use Tri Mark system as our preferred provider is that its monitoring system package includes a full suite of diagnostic tools, which means we can respond more quickly to any problems with your system, including sending a specialist to site with the right equipment for the repair without needing to schedule an initial
The Madera Community Hospital took advantage of vacant land across the street to install a 1.14 megawatt single-axis tracking system.
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diagnostic visit. This means less downtime and increased production from your system. Our O&M Team is responsible for handling any alert and communicating a course of action with you. If the alert indicates an outage, we coordinate with you to schedule the arrival of a service technician within 72 hours of the alert.
c) Sample O&M contract Our O&M contract is included within as Attachment 6 and we are provide pricing on the example O&M template provided in the NG RFP as follows:
O&M Pricing
System Size (DC) 650 kW 1 MW
Pricing
Escalator
If ground (add for mowing)
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5. Pricing Structure
a) Price Proposal Form (see Attachment 2) Our pricing information is included in Attachment 2.
b) Proposed Discounts Borrego Solar does not plan to offer any discounts at this time.
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Volume Discount offered? NoIf more than 100 kW total purchased % discount If more than 200 kW total purchased % discount If more than 500 kW total purchased % discount If more than 1,000 kW total purchased % discount If more than 2,000 kW total purchased % discount
Bid Summary
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Solar PV Array InformationSite Number: EXAMPLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Bidder: ABC Solar, Inc. Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego SolarStreet 72 Sunny Street Berry Corner Road 755 Main St Frank Mossberg Drive Richardson Drive Mohawk Drive Richardson Drive Mohawk DriveTown Attleboro Charlton Dighton Attleboro Attleboro Fall River Attleboro Fall RiverZip Code 02730 01507 02715 02703 02703 02722 02703 02722System Size (kilowatts dc) 60 991.8 991.8 991.8 991.8 991.8 649.8 649.8Module Tilt (degrees) 5 25 25 25 25 25 25 25Array Azimuth (S=180) 175 180 180 180 180 180 Variable - 165 to 190 Variable - 165 to 190Row Spacing (feet between) 2 15 15 15 15 15 15 15Inverter Manufacturer: Solectria Solectria Solectria Solectria Solectria Solectria SMA SMAInverter Model Number PVI-50 SGI 500XTM SGI 500XTM SGI 500XTM SGI 500XTM SGI 500XTM TP 24000TL & STP 12000T STP 24000TL & STP 12000TLInverter Size (kW ac) 50 500 500 500 500 500 24 & 12 24 & 12Number of Inverters 1 2 2 2 2 2 28 & 1 28 & 1Module Manufacturer: Jinko Yingli Yingli Yingli Yingli Yingli Yingli YingliModule Model JKM305M-72 YL300P-35b YL300P-35b YL300P-35b YL300P-35b YL300P-35b YL300P-35b YL300P-35bTier 1 Manufacturer? (yes/no) yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yesSize of Module (Watts dc) 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300Total Number of Modules 200 3306 3306 3306 3306 3306 2166 2166Modules per String 11 19 19 19 19 19 19 19Tamper Proof Mounting? no, roof mounted Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes YesRacking Manufacturer RBI Panel Claw Panel Claw Panel Claw Panel Claw Panel Claw Panel Claw Panel ClawRacking Model RM-B Sun Bear Sun Bear Sun Bear Sun Bear Sun Bear Sun Bear Sun BearRacking type (roof, ground, etc.) roof Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground GroundType of roofing Material? Standing Seam N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/AStructural work needed? no No No No No No No NoExpected lifespan of roofing material 20+ Years N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/ACombiner Box Manufacturer: Solectria Bentek Bentek Bentek Bentek Bentek N/A N/ACombiner Box Model Discom4 BTK10-UTS-UNG-24 BTK10-UTS-UNG-24 BTK10-UTS-UNG-24 BTK10-UTS-UNG-24 BTK10-UTS-UNG-24 N.A N.ANumber of Combiner Boxes 1 8 8 8 8 8 0 0DC Disconnect Manufacturer: (part of CB) Bentek Bentek Bentek Bentek Bentek SMA SMANumber of DC Disconnects 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1DAS Manufacturer: Solectria Trimark Trimark Trimark Trimark Trimark Trimark TrimarkModel SolRen Custom Custom Custom Custom Custom Custom CustomIrradiance Meter? yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes YesModule temp monitor? yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes YesWeather Station? yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes YesPerformance Model Available? yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes YesType of Model PVSYST PVSYST PVSYST PVSYST PVSYST PVSYST PVSYST PVSYSTExpected Annual kWh (ac) output 64,489 1,247,400 1,334,594 1,296,585 1,306,435 1,299,371 883,958 861,521 Status of Final design? Near complete, 75% Permit Stage Permit Stage Permit Stage Permit Stage Permit Stage Permit Stage Permit StageList permits Obtained: Building, Planning Non-ministerial Non-ministerial Non-ministerial Non-ministerial Non-ministerial Non-ministerial Non-ministerialLease at Host? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes YesTerm (years) 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20Cost per year of LeaseCopy of lease attached? Yes Yes (LOI) Yes (LOI) Yes (LOI) Yes (LOI) Yes (LOI) Yes (LOI) Yes (LOI)
Brief Description of status of ProjectProject is roof mounted and
design in near complete, permits have been obtained, structural review complete
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
interconnection submitted - beginning local entitlement
process
interconnection submitted - beginning local entitlement
process
interconnection submitted - beginning local entitlement
process
interconnection submitted - beginning local entitlement
process
LOI with landowner. Interconnection app prepared and ready to submit. Local
entitlement process prepared and ready to begin.
interconnection submitted - beginning local entitlement process
Pricing Summary:Permits and EngineeringInverter CostModule CostRacking CostSite Improvement CostBalance of SystemInterconnection Cost
Total Purchase Price of SystemOperation and Maintenance Cost Per YearOptional Equipment
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 29 of 859
Solar PV Array InformationSite Number:Bidder:StreetTownZip CodeSystem Size (kilowatts dc)Module Tilt (degrees)Array Azimuth (S=180)Row Spacing (feet between)Inverter Manufacturer:Inverter Model NumberInverter Size (kW ac)Number of InvertersModule Manufacturer:Module ModelTier 1 Manufacturer? (yes/no)Size of Module (Watts dc)Total Number of ModulesModules per StringTamper Proof Mounting?Racking ManufacturerRacking ModelRacking type (roof, ground, etc.)Type of roofing Material?Structural work needed?Expected lifespan of roofing materialCombiner Box Manufacturer:Combiner Box ModelNumber of Combiner BoxesDC Disconnect Manufacturer:Number of DC DisconnectsDAS Manufacturer:ModelIrradiance Meter?Module temp monitor?Weather Station?Performance Model Available?Type of ModelExpected Annual kWh (ac) outputStatus of Final design?List permits Obtained:Lease at Host?Term (years)Cost per year of LeaseCopy of lease attached?
Brief Description of status of Project
Pricing Summary:Permits and EngineeringInverter CostModule CostRacking CostSite Improvement CostBalance of SystemInterconnection Cost
Total Purchase Price of SystemOperation and Maintenance Cost Per YearOptional Equipment
8 9 10 11 12 13 14Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar
LOI with landowner. Interconnection app prepared and ready to submit. Local
entitlement process prepared and ready to begin.
Site is on town owned land. Town has put out an RFQ in order to address public procurement. That allows us to bid the site into the Ngrid bid, and if we win they'll move forward with us. Shirley 1 and Shirley 2 are adjacent to eachother,
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
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Solar PV Array InformationSite Number:Bidder:StreetTownZip CodeSystem Size (kilowatts dc)Module Tilt (degrees)Array Azimuth (S=180)Row Spacing (feet between)Inverter Manufacturer:Inverter Model NumberInverter Size (kW ac)Number of InvertersModule Manufacturer:Module ModelTier 1 Manufacturer? (yes/no)Size of Module (Watts dc)Total Number of ModulesModules per StringTamper Proof Mounting?Racking ManufacturerRacking ModelRacking type (roof, ground, etc.)Type of roofing Material?Structural work needed?Expected lifespan of roofing materialCombiner Box Manufacturer:Combiner Box ModelNumber of Combiner BoxesDC Disconnect Manufacturer:Number of DC DisconnectsDAS Manufacturer:ModelIrradiance Meter?Module temp monitor?Weather Station?Performance Model Available?Type of ModelExpected Annual kWh (ac) outputStatus of Final design?List permits Obtained:Lease at Host?Term (years)Cost per year of LeaseCopy of lease attached?
Brief Description of status of Project
Pricing Summary:Permits and EngineeringInverter CostModule CostRacking CostSite Improvement CostBalance of SystemInterconnection Cost
Total Purchase Price of SystemOperation and Maintenance Cost Per YearOptional Equipment
15 16 17 18 19 20 21Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar50 Auburn St 17 Kelly Rd 17 Kelly Rd 140 Rockland Street 1 140 Rockland Street 2 26 Kelly Rd 26 Kelly Rd
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted. LOI is in place and Owner is reviewing the Lease
Project is ground mounted. LOI is in place and Owner is reviewing the Lease
Project is ground mounted. LOI is in place and Owner is
reviewing the LeaseProject is ground mounted. LOI is in place and Owner is reviewing the Lease
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Solar PV Array InformationSite Number:Bidder:StreetTownZip CodeSystem Size (kilowatts dc)Module Tilt (degrees)Array Azimuth (S=180)Row Spacing (feet between)Inverter Manufacturer:Inverter Model NumberInverter Size (kW ac)Number of InvertersModule Manufacturer:Module ModelTier 1 Manufacturer? (yes/no)Size of Module (Watts dc)Total Number of ModulesModules per StringTamper Proof Mounting?Racking ManufacturerRacking ModelRacking type (roof, ground, etc.)Type of roofing Material?Structural work needed?Expected lifespan of roofing materialCombiner Box Manufacturer:Combiner Box ModelNumber of Combiner BoxesDC Disconnect Manufacturer:Number of DC DisconnectsDAS Manufacturer:ModelIrradiance Meter?Module temp monitor?Weather Station?Performance Model Available?Type of ModelExpected Annual kWh (ac) outputStatus of Final design?List permits Obtained:Lease at Host?Term (years)Cost per year of LeaseCopy of lease attached?
Brief Description of status of Project
Pricing Summary:Permits and EngineeringInverter CostModule CostRacking CostSite Improvement CostBalance of SystemInterconnection Cost
Total Purchase Price of SystemOperation and Maintenance Cost Per YearOptional Equipment
22 23 24 25 26 27 28Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar-NG Borrego Solar-NG Borrego Solar-NG Borrego Solar Borrego Solar
24 Boutilier Rd 439 Purchase Street Groton School Rd 698 Main 183 Sumner Street 140 Rockland Street 1 140 Rockland Street 2Leicester Swansea Ayer Sturbridge Stoughton Abington Abington01524 02777 01432 01566 02072 02351 02351649.8 649.8 991.8 991.8 649.8 991.8 991.8
25 25 25 25 25 25 25Variable - 165 to 190 Variable - 165 to 190 180 180 Variable - 165 to 190 180 180
15 15 15 15 15 15 15SMA SMA Solectria SMA SMA Solectria Solectria
Project is ground mounted. LOI is in place and Owner is reviewing the Lease
Project is ground mounted. LOI is in place and Owner is reviewing the Lease
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement
process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement
process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
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Solar PV Array InformationSite Number:Bidder:StreetTownZip CodeSystem Size (kilowatts dc)Module Tilt (degrees)Array Azimuth (S=180)Row Spacing (feet between)Inverter Manufacturer:Inverter Model NumberInverter Size (kW ac)Number of InvertersModule Manufacturer:Module ModelTier 1 Manufacturer? (yes/no)Size of Module (Watts dc)Total Number of ModulesModules per StringTamper Proof Mounting?Racking ManufacturerRacking ModelRacking type (roof, ground, etc.)Type of roofing Material?Structural work needed?Expected lifespan of roofing materialCombiner Box Manufacturer:Combiner Box ModelNumber of Combiner BoxesDC Disconnect Manufacturer:Number of DC DisconnectsDAS Manufacturer:ModelIrradiance Meter?Module temp monitor?Weather Station?Performance Model Available?Type of ModelExpected Annual kWh (ac) outputStatus of Final design?List permits Obtained:Lease at Host?Term (years)Cost per year of LeaseCopy of lease attached?
Brief Description of status of Project
Pricing Summary:Permits and EngineeringInverter CostModule CostRacking CostSite Improvement CostBalance of SystemInterconnection Cost
Total Purchase Price of SystemOperation and Maintenance Cost Per YearOptional Equipment
29 30 31 32 33 34 35Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar
Toby Road 501 West Chestnut Street Toby Road 501 West Chestnut Street 439 Purchase Street 24 Boutilier Rd 29 Oxford Rd.Brockton Brockton Brockton Brockton Swansea Leicester Charlton
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement
process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement
process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement
process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and is nearly completed the civil entitlement
process. Lease is being reviewed by land owner
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
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Solar PV Array InformationSite Number:Bidder:StreetTownZip CodeSystem Size (kilowatts dc)Module Tilt (degrees)Array Azimuth (S=180)Row Spacing (feet between)Inverter Manufacturer:Inverter Model NumberInverter Size (kW ac)Number of InvertersModule Manufacturer:Module ModelTier 1 Manufacturer? (yes/no)Size of Module (Watts dc)Total Number of ModulesModules per StringTamper Proof Mounting?Racking ManufacturerRacking ModelRacking type (roof, ground, etc.)Type of roofing Material?Structural work needed?Expected lifespan of roofing materialCombiner Box Manufacturer:Combiner Box ModelNumber of Combiner BoxesDC Disconnect Manufacturer:Number of DC DisconnectsDAS Manufacturer:ModelIrradiance Meter?Module temp monitor?Weather Station?Performance Model Available?Type of ModelExpected Annual kWh (ac) outputStatus of Final design?List permits Obtained:Lease at Host?Term (years)Cost per year of LeaseCopy of lease attached?
Brief Description of status of Project
Pricing Summary:Permits and EngineeringInverter CostModule CostRacking CostSite Improvement CostBalance of SystemInterconnection Cost
Total Purchase Price of SystemOperation and Maintenance Cost Per YearOptional Equipment
36 37 38Borrego Solar Borrego Solar Borrego Solar50 Auburn St 79 Old Upton Rd Berry Corner Road
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
Project is ground mounted and has completed the civil entitlement process.
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National Grid Solar Generation Phase II
Proposal
May 6th, 2014
National Grid
1101 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Green Earth Developers, LLC
3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 Tel: 980-265-2339 www.greenearthdevelopersLLC.org
Empower Energies, Inc
5750 New King Street, Suite 330 Troy, MI 48098
Tel: 248-852-1300 Fax: 248-852-5029
www.empowerenergies.com
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National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
Table of Contents
1.1.1 Contact Information .......................................................................................................................................1 1.1.2 Profile of the Respondent ............................................................................................................................2
S&C, GED and Empower Team Value ........................................................................................................2
S&C Electric Company ......................................................................................................................................6
1. Warren Tech Center 49 kW................................................................................................................10
2. Shirley Water District 3.7 MW..........................................................................................................11
1.1.4 Safety Program and Record.....................................................................................................................16 1.1.5 Project Staffing...............................................................................................................................................17
Working Relationships..................................................................................................................................18
Project Team Experience .............................................................................................................................19
1.1.6 Location.............................................................................................................................................................21 Project 1: Town of Shirley Groton Rd Land........................................................................................22
1.1.7 Solar Development Scope of Work.......................................................................................................26
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National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
1.1.1 Contact Information
Please contact the following company representatives to address any questions related to this proposal: Primary Contact:
Micah Stanley
Business Development Manager Empower Energies Phone: 810-625-1801 [email protected]
Secondary Contact:
Chad Reed Green Earth Developers Program Manager Green Earth Developers Phone: 704-604-9549 [email protected]
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National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
1.1.2 Profile of the Respondent
Green Earth Developers, LLC (“GED”) with Empower Energies, Inc. (“Empower”) and S&C Electric Company (S&C) the (“Team”) has brought together an experienced and effective team to deliver National Grid with a compelling project with an outstanding host site. The team and host customer are fully engaged and excited about this program. The combination of solar industry experience, local management and host customer relationship provides the core for the strength of the proposal. Empower will act as lead developer and respondent to this RFP while GED and S&C will be co-developers and EPC - Subcontractors.
S&C, GED and Empower Team Value
Area S&C GED Empower
1. Substantial Solar Experience � � �
2. Direct Experience with National Grid � � � 3. Massachusetts Content � � 4. Close Customer Relationships with Potential Host �
5. Cost (Leveraged Portfolio / Value Engineering) � � �
6. Financial Strength � 7. Local Development Understanding � � � 8. Community Involvement �
Substantial Solar Experience GED has built and maintains ~ 11 MW of ground mounted solar. The systems are located throughout the United States with ~ 8 MW within the National Grid Territory in Massachusetts. Additionally, 3.7 MW is located in the same city as the proposed host site in Shirley, Massachusetts. Empower has installed 24+ solar charging stations (each 10kW to 20kW) at GM facilities & Chevrolet Dealerships across the country. Empower is currently developing commercial scale roof mount and ground mount projects for GM at four facilities in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and New York. Empower has the knowledge and design experience to integrate Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) into solar systems to meet customer’s existing needs for on-site charging ability. S&C specializes in the interconnection of variable generation and delivers field-proven equipment and expertise to ensure your solar interconnection. S&C’s solar solutions include:
- Medium-voltage protection and control equipment specifically engineered for solar - Local contracts and working experience with major utilities - Over 1 GW of expertise connecting solar to the grid - World leading energy storage technologies - A deep network of national suppliers - Engineering, procurement, and construction services - 100% on-time completion of solar projects - Proven methods to reduce lead times, construction costs and project schedules
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National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
Massachusetts Content Empower is able to deliver the required Massachusetts content, through its selection of materials and sourcing of local labor to perform the installation work. Through Empower’s experience developing projects in MA, it has established relationships with local material providers and contractors. These include engineering firms, electrical contractors (Local Union Shops), general contractors (Pastore), and equipment/material suppliers. Empower understands the importance of Massachusetts Content and has a mission to maximize the local content (labor and materials) used for the Solar Phase II Program.
Close Customer Relationships with Hosts Empower has relationships with the Town of Shirley after working closely with key members of the Energy Commission (Bryan Dumont), the Planning Board (Anna MacDonald), and Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission. Through these relationships, Empower has been able to ensure that this project and process will go smoothly for the potential site identified for this RFP due to the commitment of the Town to solar and through past direct experience with all parties involved for project siting.
Cost (Leveraged Portfolio/Value Engineering) GED has extensive experience in the management of engineering and construction costs through its existing portfolio and on-going construction efforts. Their experience spans the entire solar system value chain. In addition, this experience provides relevant market information on major equipment costs, which enables GED to deliver cost competitive solar systems utilizing the most Massachusetts content possible. Whether it is connecting 1 or 100+ mega-watts, S&C works with our custsomers and the local utility to find the most economical and feasible solutions to deliver you the best long-term value. Empower also has unique cost management and value engineering experience from its employees through the automotive industry. Applying industry leading techniques to developing, designing and installing solar systems, Empower is able to bring even greater value to solar systems utilizing safety and quality standards, leveraging economies of scale, and efficient design. The teaming of S&C, GED and Empower ensures that National Grid will receive the highest quality solar systems at the most competitive cost. With S&C’s experience and the Team members proven track record of success, National Grid will receive an installation that meets and exceeds their expectations. Due to the build requirements stated in the RFP from National Grid, the system cost presented is higher than our standard offer price would be for a system of this size, which is generally $2.45/Watt. In addition, there is a heavier than usual civil cost to clear the land needed for this location.
Financial Strength S&C is a global company with operations around the world and has connected over 1GW of renewable energy to the grid. Incorporated in 1911. S&C has been providing innovative solutions to the electrical industry for over 100 years.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 39 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
GED has built in excess of $25 million (11 MW) in solar projects over the last two years and continues to expand its portfolio. GED is backed by S&C Electric. Empower also has significant backing from large shareholders which consists of its corporate sponsor (GM Motors Ventures) and private equity investors (Tenor Capital Management Company) as well as management. General Motors Ventures, the venture capital arm of GM, invests in growth-stage companies to enhance GM's ability to innovate and ensure that its customers have access to the best technology. Tenor Capital Management Company is a nine-year old fundamental research-based investment manager with more than $2 billion in funds under management that is headquartered in New York City. Tenor has significant investments across the energy industry.
Local Development Understanding The Team has several years of experience designing, developing and installing solar projects in Massachusetts and have a solid understanding of local unique installations requirements. From this experience, below are some of the areas where issues arise and the team has experience mitigating:
• National Grid interconnection applications and agreements
• Local codes and requirements
• Safety protocol
Partnership Structure
The following table lists the roles and responsibilities for S&C, GED, Empower and its potential partners. National Grid shall be notified of any changes in the contractors or additional contractors as soon as the Respondent is aware of the same.
Proposed Role Firm
Prime Contractor and Developer Empower
Program Manager & General Contractor S&C
Developer, Project Manager & Construction Manager
Empower / GED
Engineering and Design (Electrical and Civil) KMB (Elec) / GPR (Local Civil)
Project Construction GED with MA subcontractors
Upon being awarded the RFP, Empower Energies shall be the Prime Contractor and Mr. Micah
Stanley. Upon issuance of Limited Notice to Proceed, Empower will begin the pre-development and permitting phase. S&C will be the General Contractor of the PV Systems with the assigned Program Manager of Dan Girard. Upon completion of the project, S&C will transfer ownership to National Grid, which will own the project for the remaining 20 years of the contract. GED will be involved in all phases of the project under the management of S&C and will manage the engineering, procurement and construction contracting for the proposed PV System.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 40 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
GED, being Construction Manager for the project, will utilize local subcontractors to perform the installation of the PV Systems. The host site shall provide the necessary infrastructure such as staging/storage areas and access needed for the subcontractors to carry out their tasks. Construction will follow the proposed project schedule included in this proposal. Special attention and detail will be given to adhere to any schedule and technical requirements from National Grid and site host for each solar PV system. The following diagram illustrates the proposed partnership structure of this project:
Empower Energies (Prime Contractor /
Developer)
GED (Mgr, Const. Mgr)
S&C Electric (General Contractor)
Engineering (KMB, GPR)
Electrical Contractor (Union Labor Shops)
Materials Suppliers (Solectria, Game Changer,
Trina or equiv.)
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 41 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
S&C Electric Company
S&C has been providing solutions to the electric power industry for over 100 years. We are
innovators and our professional staff of engineers, technicians, and industry experts support our
commitment to help clients provide safe, affordable, efficient, and uninterrupted power to the
world. We accomplish this task through continuous efforts to understand our Customers and
provide a total solution that encompasses their cost, scheduling, quality, and functionality needs.
With headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, our products and solutions are supported by a global
network of office locations that provide expert local support to our clients.
The following proposal is an engineered solution that best meets the needs of this project. In
addition to S&C’s expertise and experience in project execution, we bring these key values to
National Grid:
� S&C is a financially stable, privately-held corporation that has been in business for more
than 100 years.
� Quality design and workmanship are central to S&C’s corporate philosophy.
� S&C’s culture promotes trust, teamwork, dignity, and respect within our diverse workforce
and customers.
� S&C strives to meet the highest standards for workplace safety.
Empower Energy, Inc.
Overview Empower is a solar power energy services platform focused on the commercial-scale segment of the PV market both in the United States and internationally and clean transportation infrastructure for General Motors (“GM”) and other customers. Empower Energies, Inc. is a Delaware corporation, incorporated on June 5, 2012 with a home office in Frederick Maryland. Since incorporation in 2012, our equity ownership has remained substantially the same. There are no outstanding lawsuits or disputes that would materially affect Empower Energies’ ability to perform the services proposed in this proposal. Empower Energies, Inc. has been providing services since June, 2012. However, one of its subsidiaires, Sunlogics Energy Solutions, LLC has provided services as far back as 2009. Empower employees 12 full time workers none directly located in Massachusetts. Empower typically utilizes third party financing picked from a pool of 10 strategic financing partners. Though Empower is new to the game, its employees have been actively in the solar industry providing development and engineering services for over 6 years. Empower both owns, operates and places solar projects depending on the size of the installation and the relationship with the host or customer involved.
• Commercial-Scale Solar
- Empower originates, develops, designs, and builds projects and sells the projects, generally at the start of construction.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 42 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
- Development projects are sponsored by Empower’ corporate sponsor, GM, or are originated by its strategic partners, such as Tremco.
- Empower targets projects ranging in size from 500kW to 10MW. • Clean Transportation Infrastructure
- Empower has designed and developed solar electric vehicle charging stations for GM facilities and dealerships, trademarked “Green Zone®.”
- Empower is currently developing solar canopies and other solar charging stations for other customers outside GM as well.
Affiliates General Motors Ventures, LLC (GM Ventures), a corporate venture capital arm of GM, has invested and has an equity position in Empower Energy. In August 2012, GM Ventures reconfirmed their commitment to Empower and increased their equity investment.
GM is committed to renewable energy at the corporate level and has a goal of installing 125 MW of renewable energy by 2020. Solar Energy Industries Association and the Vote Solar Initiative released a report in September 2012, which GM was ranked #13 in the top commercial solar users and ranked #1 in the U.S. Auto Sector. GM and Empower have a long- term relationship with each other, as well. Empower has a Master Power Purchase Agreement with GM to deploy large system projects (rooftop and ground mount) at GM facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and multiple international locations. Empower is the preferred provider of solar energy projects for GM, and Empower’s pipeline includes many of GM’s approximately 150 facilities around the world including over 80 in the United States.
Future Plans Empower has developed an extensive pipeline of solar projects, totaling 400+ MW, in the United States and in international markets including China, Mexico, India, and Canada. Empower’s target customers include commercial, industrial, municipalities, and educational customers. Empower is currently developing 15 near-term projects located in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee totaling close to 20 MW. Empower continues to develop new relationships with origination partners and continues to strive to develop corporate programs for Fortune 100 companies. Due to the evolving electrical vehicle market, Empower is focusing on EVSE ready solar parking lot canopies to solve the infrastructure needs and is expanding its business operations to focus on this technology.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 43 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
1.1.3 Previous Experience
S&C Experience
The listing below highlights a majority of S&C’s solar projects. Some projects are omitted from this list due to confidentiality agreements with the customer. Chevron – TA Acacia (formerly called West
Antelope) 20MW Solar Plant – 2013
S&C is providing EPC services for the substation and transmission lines associated with this PV installation. S&C’s scope on this project will include System VI switchgear, engineering, and project management. This 20 MW project is located in Los Angeles, CA. This project features S&C’s System VI switchgear compact substation solution. Green States Energy – Sandwich 4MW Solar
Plant – 2013
S&C is providing EPC services including coordination of the interconnect with the local utility, two units of S&C’s Vista switchgear, engineering, project management, PV modules, racking system, inverters, pad-mounted transformers, DC balance of plant, data acquisition system, site surveillance, civil construction and AC collector systems. This 4 MW project is located in Sandwich, MA.
Half Moon Ventures – Jefferson 1 1MW Solar Plant – 2013
S&C is providing EPC services including coordination of the interconnect with the local utility, one unit of System VI switchgear, engineering, project management, PV modules, racking systems, inverters, pad-mounted transformers, DC balance of plant, data acquisition system, site surveillance, civil construction and AC collector systems. This 1 MW project is located in Jefferson, WI Green States Energy – Roswell - 2.5 MW Solar
Plant – 2013
S&C provided EPC services for 25 individual projects consisting of 25-100 kW behind the meter PV installations collocated in one municipal area. S&C built both the AC and DC systems including data acquisition and site surveillance for this project located in Roswell, NM.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 44 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
SunPower Corporation – Kalaeola Solar Two
5MW Solar Plant – 2012
S&C provided EPC services for an extremely fast track 5 MW solar plant built near Barber’s Point in Oahu, HI. S&C was responsible for design, procurement & construction of the substation and the interconnect with the local utility. This project featured use of a stocked S&C’s System VI switchgear compact substation solution to accelerate the construction timeline to meet the aggressive customer schedule. OHL Industrial – Tucson Solar 20MW Solar
Plant – 2012
S&C provided substation EPC services for the AC scope of a 20MW solar plant built in Painted Rocks, AZ. S&C was responsible for design, procurement & construction of the AC scope including the substation and interconnect with the local utility. This project featured S&C’s System VI switchgear compact substation solution. SunEdison/Chevron – Acacia 10MW Solar Plant– 2012
S&C provided EPC services for the construction of the collector substation for the 10MW solar plant built in Presidio, TX. S&C was responsible for the final design, procurement and the interconnection with the local utility and solar farm. S&C’s past experience with the local utility and ability to quickly supply long lead time items for the project offered unique advantages to the developer. This project features S&C’s System VI switchgear compact substation solution. M. A. Mortenson – Calico – 2009 thru 2010
S&C provided engineering and design services for a substation and collector system for a solar plant in California. The complete system will provide up to 850 MW. M.A. Mortenson – Western Ranch – 2009 thru 2010
S&C provided engineering and design services for a substation and collector system for a solar plant in Arizona. The system will provide 27MW. M. A. Mortenson – Maricopa Pilot Plant – 2009
S&C provided field engineering oversight for the construction and start-up of the 9MW Concentrated Solar Plant in Maricopa, Arizona.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 45 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
Empower Experience
Project Location
Size
(kWDC) COD
Warren Tech Center 30800 Mound Rd, Warren, MI 48359 49 2013
Shirley Water District Map 95 Parcel D, Shirley, MA 01464 3,700 2014
Total 3,749
1. Warren Tech Center 49 kW
Empower has recently completed a 49kW ground mount array at the GM Warren Technical Center located at the north end of the property along the pond. This is one of many commercial scale projects currently in development and implementation with GM. The minimum size of these future projects is 500kW.
Project: 49 kWDC ground mount solar PV system Location: Warren, Michigan Customer: General Motors Corporation Equipment: 24kW REFUsol String Inverters (2), 245W Trina TSM-PA05 (200), AET Racking Description: This 49 kWDC solar system was constructed under an easement agreement with GM.
Empower was responsible for the development, feasibility, design and contracted JRanck Electric to complete the installation. This installation was completed in December 2012 and is connected to the facility distribution panel at 480V.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 46 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
2. Shirley Water District 3.7 MW (Under-Construction)
Empower has recently developed and sold a 3.7 MWdc ground mount array located within the aquifer for the Shirley Water District water supply. Empower supplied all of the development of the project and worked through the environmental issues around the Aquifer, as well as the NHESP and working with an endangered species. (Blandings and Box Turtles) This is one of many commercial scale projects currently in development in the East Coast area.
Project: 3,700 kWDC ground mount solar PV system Location: Shirley, Massachusetts Customer: Shirley Water District, Deven’s Utility Equipment: 1 MW AE inverters (6), 245W Trina TSM-PA05 and Jinko 300W modules,
Game Changer Racking Description: This 3,700 kWDC solar system was constructed under an easement agreement with
the Shirley Water District. Empower was responsible for the development, feasibility, design and selling of the project to Green States Energy who Contracted S&C and GED to complete the installation of the system. This installation is under construction and should be completed by May 31st, 2014 connecting to a 13.2 kV distribution line from the Deven’s Utility.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 47 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
General Motors Corporation – Facility Solar Charging Stations Installation Locations:
Project Location
Size
(kWDC) COD
GM Bowling Green Assembly 600 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42104 21.31 2011
GM Hamtramck 1 2500 E. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48211 21.31 2010
GM Hamtramck 2 2500 E. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48211 14.60 2012
GM Hamtramck 3 2500 E. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48211 12.00 2011
GM Milford Proving Ground 3300 General Motors Rd, Milford, MI 48380 21.31 2011
GM Parma STPG CET 5400 Chevrolet Blvd, Parma, OH 44130 21.31 2011
GM Warren Tech Center #1 30800 Mound Rd, Warren, MI 48359 21.31 2011
GM Warren Tech Center #2 30800 Mound Rd, Warren, MI 48359 21.31 2011
GM Warren Tech Center #3 30800 Mound Rd, Warren, MI 48359 17.6 2012
Total 193.37
Typical Equipment: 10kW Power-One String Inverters and Lumos LSX-180-72M-C
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 48 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
General Motors Corporation – Facility Solar Charging Stations Installations
GM Bowling Green Assembly GM Hamtramck 1
GM Hamtramck 2 GM Lordstown Assembly
GM Milford GM Parma STPG CET
GM Warren Tech Center #1 GM Warren Tech Center #2
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 49 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
Chevrolet Dealerships - Solar Charging Stations Installation Locations:
Project Location Size (kWDC) COD
American Chevrolet Modesto, CA 10.65 2011
Al Serra Chevrolet Grand Blanc, MI 21.31 2011
Bill Jacobs Chevrolet Joliet, IL 19.44 2012
Dublin Superstore Dublin, CA 21.31 2011
Ed Bozarth Chevrolet Las Vegas, NV 19.44 2012
Karl Chevrolet Ankeny, IA 19.44 2012
Patsy Lou Chevrolet Flint, MI 21.31 2011
Phillips Chevrolet Frankfort, IL 19.44 2012
Putnam Chevrolet Burlingame, CA 10.65 2011
Serra Chevrolet Bartlett Bartlett, TN 10.65 2011
Serra Chevrolet Southfield Southfield, MI 10.65 2011
Suburban Chevrolet Scio Township, MI 24.96 2014
McClusky Chevrolet Cincinnati, OH 24.96 2013
Total 234.21
Typical Equipment: 10kW Power-One String Inverters and Trina PA05 modules
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 50 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com | S&C Electric Company | 6601 N. Ridge Blvd Chicago, IL 60626| www.sandc.com|
Chevrolet Dealerships - Solar Charging Stations Installations
American Chevrolet Al Serra Chevrolet
Ed Bozarth Nevada #1 Chevrolet Karl Chevrolet
Phillips Chevrolet Putnam Chevrolet
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 51 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
Serra Chevrolet Bartlett Serra Chevrolet Southfield
1.1.4 Safety Program and Record
Please refer to the attached Site Safety Plan (Safety Document - Complete Site Safety Manual)
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 52 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
1.1.5 Project Staffing
Project staffing has been determined based on the strengths of each organization and geographic location of individuals. The following shows the structure and specific responsibilities. The final structure will be finalized in Phase II based on the number and size of sites chosen.
Organization Chart
Micah Stanley National Grid - Program Lead
Michelle Patrick Program Manager
Micah Stanley Program Developer
Tony Varvar Engineering Director
Dan Girard / Chad Reed VP of Renewables / Ops Mngr
Dale Mann Project Manager
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 53 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
Key Project Team
Name Title Firm Specific Responsibility
Micah Stanley
NATIONAL GRID
Program Lead
GED Contract negotiations, lead utility contact, construction estimation and design feasibility analysis
Dan Girard VP of Renewables
S&C Project oversight and material purchasing and delivery coordination
Chad Reed Operations Manager
GED EPC management
Dale Mann Project Manager
GED Coordinate all invoices/payments, ensure contract requirements are met, direct construction onsite
managerment
Micah Stanley
Program Developer
Empower Overall program consultant, manage host relationships and ensure deliverable meet host and utility
expectations including all environmental and permitting and Site analysis, project feasibility, energy generation,
system design
Michelle Patrick
Program Lead
Empower Program lead, contract requirements and deliverable submission, Mass content tracking, contract QAQC,
portfolio timeline management and scheduling
Anthony Varvar
Engineering Director
Empower Research and Development on design improvements and recent technology advancements
Key Partnerships
S&C, GED and Empower intend to use a selection of EPC’s from National providers in which they have worked with in the past. For projects suitable for design/build, local engineering firms will be utilized such as KMB or Goldsmith, Pratt and Ringwall (GPR) while local labor such as Pastore could be utilized to perform the construction.
Working Relationships
S&C, GED and Empower have been working together on developing and constructing the Shirley, MA 3.7 MWdc project. The team individually has responded to multiple RFPs ranging from 1MW to 100MW opportunities throughout the U.S.
Micah Stanley, and Michelle Patrick have worked together with National Grid on the interconnection requirements and getting a “Consent to Serve” in place between the MDFA and National Grid. These employees worked together on a daily basis to help implement projects during 2012-2014.
Anthony Varvar and Micah Stanley have worked together for the 6 months on PV standards, engineering material selection, standard building blocks, and electrical safety protocol.
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 54 of 859
National Grid May 6th, 2014
Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
Chad Reed and Dale man have worked together at GED on multiple developments over the past few years ensuring projects were properly developed, financed, engineered and installed as specified.
Project Team Experience
Micah Stanley (National Grid Program Lead) Mr. Micah Stanley is an experienced solar developer will board knowledge of the solar industry from over 6 years in the solar industry. This knowledge stems from a base foundation of how solar modules are created at Uni-Solar. This role allowed him to gather knowledge on the operation of solar panels and to understand failure modes due to manufacturing issues. Mr. Stanley was responsible for system performance analysis, performance standards, underperforming system investigation, root cause analysis with corrective actions, corrective action implementation, and verify actions corrected the performance issue. This experience provided Mr. Stanley with unique knowledge of operations of solar systems and their effect on facility energy reduction and monetary billing. Mr. Stanley also managed 3 solar panel test facilities stationed across the U.S and developed/installed a 1 MW R&D Test facility for First Solar. Mr. Stanley was responsible for developing testing procedures for all module improvements and technology advancements. Mr. Stanley joined Empower to provide his expertise analyzing facility infrastructure and developing solar projects including determining financial viability of the solar projects. Mr. Stanley was the key personnel responsible for getting a 3.7 MWdc project in Massachusetts to a point of being financeable. Mr. Stanley has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Management from Kettering University (Formerly General Motors Institute, GMI), and a M.B.A. from University of Phoenix.
Chad Reed (Director, Operations) Mr. Chad Reed brings over five years of engineering and project management expertise in the renewable energy sector. Prior to joining GED, he designed and developed utility scale concentrated solar power systems and has three US patents pending. is a graduate of the Lockheed Martin Engineering Leadership Development Program and holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a MS in Systems Engineering from Cornell University
Dale Mann (Project Associate)
Dale Mann has over three years of experience in engineering and project management. In her current role, assists in the management of all aspects of the development, finance and construction activities related to a project including: Project Origination, Site Evaluation, Project Modeling and Budgeting and Construction Oversight; supports the preparation and negotiation of project documents including: Power Purchase Agreements, Solar System Installation Agreements (“SSIA”) and Operation and Maintenance Agreements, and assists in the management of the SSIA and associated contractor during project construction, commissioning and closeout. Dale holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Micah Stanley (Program Developer)
“Same as above” Michelle Patrick (Program Lead) Ms. Michelle Patrick has three years experience in the solar industry and over ten years in program management. Ms. Patrick acted as contract administrator of the 2010-2011 NATIONAL GRID Pilot program while working at Nova Consultants. She was responsible for the Primavera scheduling, Maximo invoicing, payment reconciliation, purchasing, Michigan content requirements, contract
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and deliverable tracking and submission, and providing project management assistance. Ms. Patrick is currently focusing on program management of General Motors facilities and other client specific program. She is focusing on client relationships, strategic rollout of large programs, and specific site qualification and development to ensure projects feasibility. Ms. Patrick has a B.A. in Marketing with a specialization in Purchasing and Materials Management from Eastern Michigan University.
Anthony Varvar (Engineer Director)
Mr. Anthony Varvar has more than 26 years of extensive experience in engineering, project management, and equipment manufacturing in the solar industry. He is responsible for engineering functions for solar charging stations (SCS), small and large scale roof and ground mount installations at Empower. Mr. Varvar previously has had a major role on standardizing photovoltaic Integrated Manufacturing Systems (IMS) in terms of manufacturing process and equipment. He has engineered and supervised the design, manufacture, installation, and commissioning of 12 manufacturing lines around the world. Mr. Varvar has been presented 3 achievement awards for major engineering contributions. He has also has had a major role in the engineering and implementation in the first fully automated 10 MW PV module manufacturing line in Fairfield, CA. in 1992. Mr. Varvar received an A.A.S. degree in Electrical Engineering Technology for Union County Technical Institute in New Jersey and also received a B.S. degree in Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology In New Jersey. He has co-authored many technical publications and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
1.1.6 Location
Below is a list of potential hosts interested in participating in the NATIONAL GRID Solar Currents Program:
Project
# Site Name Site Address
Est Size
(kWDC)* Type
1
Town of Shirley Land Parcel:
Map 97B 14, 15 Map 97 B Parcel 14 and 15 995.41 Ground Mount
Total 995.41
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
Project 1: Town of Shirley Groton Rd Land
Location: Map 97B, Parcel 14 and 15 Shirley, MA 01464
Property Map:
Legend: Red outline = ground mount array location, Orange circle = interconnection tie-in
System Description: The proposed solar PV array will be installed on a wooded lot located on the southern side of M225. The location is flat and is a great location for the solar PV array. The site host is the Town of Shirley, who is
very progressive and encourages the usage of solar in their community. These parcels of land have been
reviewed for environmental concerns with the local Conservation Commission. The finding are that there
is no concern for endandered species or wildlife. The only potential slow down is the outline of what may be a small creek to the far east of the property. This creek may cause a minor layout change and cause us
to extend the system farther north that it is currently designed.
Site Preparation Work:
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
The proposed site location will need to be cleared of all trees on the lot, destumped, graded and leveled for a 5% grade to allow for the installation of the racking.
Conceptual Single Line Design: See Attachment “Engineering Doc 2 - Conceptual Single Line”
PVSyst Report: See Attachment “Engineering Doc 3 - Shirley MA PVsyst Report”
Commissioning: See Attachment “Engineering Doc 4 – Commissioning”
Operation & Maintenance The Team will provide Operation and Maintenance (O&M) support for the proposed PV
system. The O&M activities described below are a standard work scope for operations and
maintenance activities.
• General Assignments
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o All work, both on-site and off-site, will be carried out by Qualified Persons, as
defined by the NEC Code. Proper safety equipment and procedures will be utilized at
all times.
o O&M Contractor will notify both host and system owner any time the system is
turned off. O&M Contractor will make all reasonable efforts to keep the system
turned on during daylight hours.
o O&M service will comply with any additional requirements related to local codes,
host site restrictions, contract stipulations, etc.
o O&M Work Scope
• O&M Work Scope
o Visual Inspection – Biannually or as needed
� Inspect all exposed DC wiring, module connections, communication wiring and
ground wiring for signs of tampering, abnormal wear and proper wire
management
� Inspect racking hardware for signs of tampering, abnormal wear or excessive
corrosion
� Inspect combiner boxes, disconnects, inverters and other electrical equipment for
signs of tampering, abnormal wear, excessive corrosion, evidence of electrical
fault and unsafe electrical conditions
o Preventative Maintenance – Biannually or as needed
� Service all electrical equipment per manufacturers’ guidelines
� Remove all rubbish, excessive vegetation, animal nests and/or other obstructions
from underneath array, electrical equipment servicing zones and other key access
areas
� Inspect all combiner boxes and electrical equipment for water damage or signs of
significant water accumulation in underground conduit
� Remove vegetation that may cause module shading or security camera obstruction
� Lubricate moving elements of racking hardware and tracking system, if required
o Component Testing – Annually or as needed
� Random testing of PV modules, VOC and ISC
� Complete testing of DC source circuits and input circuits, VOC and ISC
� Complete testing of OCPDs and disconnects
� Random testing of equipment grounding/continuity
� Verify accuracy of all meters, sensors, monitoring devices, communications
equipment, weather station, security equipment
o Environmental Management – Annually or as needed
� Document all abnormal conditions related to wildlife, vegetation, water
management and erosion within array area
� Remove and document all dead animals
� Maintain compliance with applicable environmental regulations
o Emergency Response – As needed
� Provide a single point of contact with 24/7 availability for emergency contact and
a single point of contact with phone/email support during business hours for non-
emergency contact
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
� Provide on-site response by appropriate personnel for maintenance emergencies
as alerted by remote monitoring, system owner or host, electric utility or local
police/fire departments in a timely manner, consistent with the severity of the
incident
� Bring all non-effected portions of the array back to proper working order in a
timely manner, consistent with the severity of the incident
� Provide an emergency response report detailing the nature of the incident,
corrective actions taken to bring array back to proper working order, and
recommended repair work, if any
o Reporting
� Provide a detailed report of causes and actions taken after every maintenance
visit/activities, including photos of areas of significant activity/concern
� Provide annual report summarizing all maintenance performed, specific
comments or concerns related to any of the above categories, and any planned
changes to future maintenance procedures
� Provide annual report summarizing system performance and analysis as compared
to previous year performance and projected performance
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
1.1.7 Solar Development Scope of Work
1. Project Scope of Work
S&C will provide complete engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and testing, commissioning, and training services for this project. The scope of work outlined shall be in accordance with the industry standards and any applicable local codes.
1.1 Site Work
� Site work including clearing, grubbing and grading of the PV collection
system
� Site leveling, gravel, fence, and foundations for all equipment
� PV panel installation
� Furnish and installing PV modules (3,226) 310 watt Jinko JKM310P UL
1000V
� Furnish and installing racking system (GC Max Scale Post Ground System)
� Furnish and perform wiring on a PV strings
� Fencing for array area and electrical equipment
1.2 AC and DC Equipment and Installation
� Supply and install D.C. system equipment including:
� Inverters (2): Solectria SGI-500XTM-380 with integrated DC Sub
Combiners and AC Breakers
� AC Combiner Panel
� Transformer
� Installation of concrete pad to accommodate the Inverters,
Transformer, and Protection Equipment
� Provide trenching and backfill, direct burial DC cabling and AC cable in
conduit
� Supply and install DC fused combiner boxes, including the low voltage
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
cabling to inverters
� Supply and install AC cabling from inverters to AC panelboards
1.3 S&C Equipment
� Supply and install one (1) S&C Vista switch with relays/programing and
set point for protection will be provided
1.4 Engineering Services
� Attend design coordination meetings with local utility
� Provide construction/installation drawings
� Specifications for the approval of equipment
� Actively manage scope-related procurement and construction activities
and provide support for installation tasks to ensure a smooth and
efficient workflow from timely material delivery to commissioning
� Provide shop drawings, wiring diagrams, construction drawings, spare
parts lists, vendor submittals, instruction manuals, production schedules
and related items for compliance with each material supply contract for
our scope of project
� Prepare electrical as-built drawings for the project
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
2. Exceptions
The following is not provided in this proposal:
� Any updates to the existing customers main service or upgrades on the utility side of
the system
� Sales Tax
� Import or Export of Soils
� Paving
� Landscaping
� Security System (other than fence)
� O&M Services
� Spare parts
� Remote monitoring system
� O&M services
� Bonding and builder’s risk insurance
� Removal of underground utilities
� Removal or remediation of hazardous materials
� Landscaping
� Vegetation control
� Escalation of pricing: (Costs may go up due to tariff laws going into affect)
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
Exceptions to the “Terms and Conditions for Construction
Purchase Orders”
Empower Energies, Inc. respectfully requests that National Grid
consider changing Article 8.0, in order to allow for modification of
the price of the system in the event that panel prices increase (due to
tariffs, etc.) before they can be secured for this project.
In addition, Empower Energies, Inc. respectfully requests that
National Grid consider make minor, non-substantive revisions to the
Terms and Conditions which would remove ambiguity or make
other minor corrections, as identified by Empower Energies, Inc., if
any.
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
3. Assumptions
� It is assumed that that the S&C Vista switchgear, single way configuration, will be
acceptable to the utility with S&C standard protection relaying.
� It is also assumed that no communication cable, wire fiber or conduit is required at
the site.
� Work related to soil conditions could change due to limited soil data provided at the
time of the proposal.
� Pending final pull testing at the site, structural foundations for racking assumes a
single drive-post with an approximate distance of 13’9” between posts. Pricing
subject to change pending the final pull test and investigation of sites. Any changes
to piling will result in price adjustment.
� Assumes standard racking layout designed to accommodate an east-west slope of up
to 5%.
� Our proposal includes an allowance for permits in the amount of $25,000. Permit
costs exceeding this amount will be billed at actual cost.
3.1 Work Provided By Others
� All permits with governmental agencies have been completed by others.
No coordination work will be provided by S&C.
� Environmental, hazardous, and any other required permits, other than
construction permits, will be procured by others.
� Excavation/removal of hazardous materials and all road work is provided
by others.
3.2 Work Provided By Utility Company
� Meters i.e. production and revenue, as required.
� Conduit, cable and wire from utility to service meter.
� Service upgrades on utility side of meter (POC).
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
4. Clarifications
� Proposal is based on non-union labor for civil work, piling, interconnect trench, and
conduit system. BOP electrical and module installs are proposed as union performed
activities.
� Access to site 24 hours/day, and 7 days a week.
� Proposed work schedule is 40 hours per week.
� No liquidated damages are included in this proposal.
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
5. Project Execution
S&C will work with the National Grid to develop a critical path schedule, with defined
tasks and will include major project milestones. The project schedule will have a
separate line item for each main section of work, showing the start dates, finish, and
duration after agreement on the schedule for delivery of major equipment.
Necessary documents will be uploaded to a shared site that National Grid, and other
respective parties, such as major equipment suppliers and subcontractors can access.
-- End of Proposal --
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Green Earth Developers | 3440 Torington Way Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.greenearthdevelopersllc.org | Empower Energies | 5750 New King St, Ste 330, Troy, MI 48098 | www.Empower-energy.com |
Massachusetts Electric Company Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid D.P.U. 16-33 Attachment AG 1-3-Redacted Page 69 of 859
Bidder: Empower
System Number Location (street, town, zip)
Size (kW dc) Total Cost in $ $/Watt
1 Shirley Map 97 B 14, 15 Shirley, MA 01464 1000234567891011121314151617181920
Totals
Volume Discount offered?If more than 100 kW total purchased % discount If more than 200 kW total purchased % discount If more than 500 kW total purchased % discount If more than 1,000 kW total purchased % discount If more than 2,000 kW total purchased % discount
Bid Summary
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Solar PV Array InformationSite Number: EXAMPLE 1 2 3Bidder: ABC Solar, Inc. Empower EnergiesStreet 72 Sunny Street Shirley Map 97 B 14, 15; Groton RoadTown Attleboro ShirleyZip Code 02730 01464System Size (kilowatts dc) 60 1000Module Tilt (degrees) 5 25Array Azimuth (S=180) 175 180Row Spacing (feet between) 2 19Inverter Manufacturer: Solectria SolectriaInverter Model Number PVI-50 SGI-500XTM-380Inverter Size (kW ac) 50 500KWNumber of Inverters 1 2Module Manufacturer: Jinko JinkoModule Model JKM305M-72 JKM310P-72Tier 1 Manufacturer? (yes/no) yes YesSize of Module (Watts dc) 300 310Total Number of Modules 200 3211Modules per String 11 19Tamper Proof Mounting? no, roof mounted Secure site with FencingRacking Manufacturer RBI Game ChangerRacking Model RM-B GC Max Scale Post Ground SystemRacking type (roof, ground, etc.) roof Driven PileType of roofing Material? Standing Seam NAStructural work needed? no noExpected lifespan of roofing material 20+ Years NACombiner Box Manufacturer: Solectria SolectriaCombiner Box Model Discom4 ARCCOM-M-PS-24X - arc fault compliant, 1000VDC rated 24 fuse positions NEMA 4Number of Combiner Boxes 1 16DC Disconnect Manufacturer: (part of CB) SolectriaNumber of DC Disconnects 1 18DAS Manufacturer: Solectria SolectriaModel SolRen SolRenIrradiance Meter? yes YesModule temp monitor? yes YesWeather Station? yes YesPerformance Model Available? yes YesType of Model PVSYST PVSYSTExpected Annual kWh (ac) output 64,489 1,340,542Status of Final design? Near complete, 75% Initial Design - 20%List permits Obtained: Building, Planning Initial DiscussionsLease at Host? Yes YesTerm (years) 20 20Cost per year of LeaseCopy of lease attached? Yes Yes
Brief Description of status of ProjectProject is roof mounted and
design in near complete, permits have been obtained, structural review complete
Project is a ground mount, Environmental and zoning discussions have already begun. No wetlands
or endangered species identified for these parcels
Pricing Summary:Permits and EngineeringInverter CostModule CostRacking CostSite Improvement CostBalance of SystemInterconnection Cost
Total Purchase Price of SystemOperation and Maintenance Cost Per YearOptional Equipment
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Maverick proposes to install a 6.7 megawatts of innovative pole mounted
Solar Solutions which is ready for immediate installation, economical,
scalable, and safe.
O n e W e s t i n g h o u s e P l a z a , B o s t o n M a s s a c h u s e t t s 0 2 1 3 6
National Grid Solar Phase II Initiative
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MCC Proposal - National Grid Solar Phase II Initiative
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MCC Response to National Grid Request for Proposal – Solar Phase II Initiative
MAVERICK-PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL 3
Executive Summary
Maverick Construction Company (MCC) is responding to National Grid’s call for solar energy
development including the use of innovative renewable energy solutions with advanced inverter
technologies in the National Grid Request for Proposal – Solar Phase II Initiative. MCC also understands
National Grids desire to support grid modernization under the auspices of the Massachusetts
Department of Public Utilities.
Maverick, proposes to develop 6.7 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic power generation capacity on
National Grid utility pole assets. Mavericks’ unique pole mounted solution, provided by Petra Solar
which will provide National Grid with a solar generating asset with advanced power electronics and two
way communication capabilities deployed across the distribution secondary in the targeted towns. As
envisioned this deployment spread across over 22,000 utility poles would cost National Grid $X,XXX,XXX
but would deliver the best long term return to Massachusetts rate payers by positioning the utility in
multiple ways for Grid Modernization:
Deploy 6.7 MW of solar with Volt/VAr or power factor control across distribution secondary
Rapidly Install and commission 6.7MW with no investment needed for interconnection
Leverage a ubiquitous but blind spot on the utility secondary; Utility Poles
Expandable communication backbone with grid sensors across over 22,000 nodes
Improve asset management of secondary grid with data collection during and after install
Ancillary services may include streetlight controls, outage management and video solutions
The project, as proposed, is expected to provide many ancillary benefits due to the unique and proven
nature of the deployment, including support for grid modernization through advanced inverter
capabilities and two-way communications network. This deployment like no other ground or roof
mounted deployment will assist Grid in better understanding and managing the grid secondary and
positioning National Grid for Grid Modernization efforts and investments.
Maverick Construction Corporation is a Boston-based, full-service power and communications network
utility construction company. Totally committed to safety, Maverick’s staff of more than 120 employees
delivers detailed design, innovative engineering, professional installation, and comprehensive
infrastructure management to municipal and state governments, power companies, and
communications service providers throughout the northeastern US and beyond. Maverick has an
unparalleled track record for quality that dates from the company’s launch in 1994.
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MCC Response to National Grid Request for Proposal – Solar Phase II Initiative
MAVERICK-PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL 4
Maverick is able to deliver a unique solar and smart grid solutions that enable existing utility pole
infrastructure to be used for rapid deployment of photovoltaic units supplying solar energy to the
electric grid and providing smart grid communications. A Similar solution is currently deployed with
New Jersey’s Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) company in PSE&G’s Solar 4 All program, providing
40 MW of clean solar energy to PSE&G customers via utility-pole mounted solar units throughout
PSE&G’s service territory. With approximately 200,000 solar units deployed with PSE&G,
MCC will engineer, design and deliver to the National Grid a highly reliable and fully integrated Pole
installed solar photovoltaic system which meets all applicable requirements of the Request for Proposal
– Solar Phase II Initiative as described in this proposal, and utilizes existing National Grid Infrastructure
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MCC Response to National Grid Request for Proposal – Solar Phase II Initiative
MAVERICK-PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL 5
1 Introduction
National Grid has released a request for proposal (RFP) for its Solar Phase II Initiative with the goal of
advancing its initiative to own, operate and maintain solar energy generation facilities in Massachusetts
under the Massachusetts Green Communities Act enacted in July 2008. This proposal provides the
required information and additional resources regarding MCC intent to develop6.7 megawatts (MW) of
solar photovoltaic power generation capacity at firm fixed price on National Grid utility pole assets,
providing National Grid with a rapid path to energy cost reduction and including the capability to
monitor and measure savings and support advanced inverter features for distribution grid management
in support of grid modernization efforts driven by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
(DPU).
2 Bidder Information
The Bidder of this proposal is Maverick Construction Company (MCC), a Massachusetts Corporation
established in 1997 with headquarters at:
One Westinghouse Plaza
Boston, MA 02136
PV service and maintenance professionals for the deployment shall be dispatched from the MCC
headquarters location.
MCC has two affiliate companies, Maverick Energy Services headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and One
Source Power an IBEW line company headquartered at the same address as MCC. Maverick will utilize
One Source Power Journeymen Lineman from Local 104 and the Electricians of IBEW local 42 to install
and maintain the proposed Solar project if successful.
2.1 Bidder History Established in 1994 and incorporated in 1997, Maverick Construction Company has grown to become
one of the premier utility construction companies focusing on communication construction,
underground aerial electric distribution, and most recently solar PV installations. Maverick has twice
been listed in INC Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing companies in America.
MCC has had no changes in ownership over the past 10 years. MCC has no outstanding lawsuits or
disputes.
2.2 Bidder Capabilities Maverick Construction Corporation is a Boston-based, full-service power and communications network
utility construction company with 19 years of experience. Totally committed to safety, MCC’s staff of
120 employees, 85 in Massachusetts, delivers detailed design, innovative engineering, professional
installation, and comprehensive infrastructure management to municipal and state governments, power
companies, and communications service providers throughout the northeastern US and beyond. MCC
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MCC Response to National Grid Request for Proposal – Solar Phase II Initiative
MAVERICK-PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL 6
has an unparalleled track record for quality that dates from the company’s launch in 1994.Capabilities
for MCC include:
Project Management
Material Procurement
Survey and Planning
Network Plant Design and
Engineering
Outside Plant Services
Construction
o Aerial
o Conventional Trench
o Directional Bore
o Microtrench
Aerial Electric Distribution
Underground Electric Distribution
Communications Space
Alternative Energy Sources
Street Lighting
Smart Grid
Oil & Gas Communications
Integration
Safety Program Management
Financial Controls for Construction
Quality Control Programs
Budgeting and Precision Estimating
Network and System Integration
Fiber Test and Characterization
Fleet Management
Logistics
GIS and CAD Services
Communications Make-Ready
Conduit and Civil Construction for
Utilities
Wireless and HETNet Design &
Construction
Electrical Distribution & Make-Ready
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Emergency Response & Maintenance
Utility Restoration Services
Located in Boston, MA with over 59,000 square feet of enclosed space and 156,000 of outdoor space,
MCC has over 150 pieces of equipment with two fulltime mechanics and has completed communications
projects throughout the Eastern seaboard.
MCC maintains contractual/qualified vendor relationships with Northeast Utilities-Massachusetts
Electric, NSTAR Electric, National Grid, Holyoke Gas and Electric, Verizon & Comcast. This qualifies and
allows MCC to work on the pole owners’ networks/plant. In addition to formal relationships, the team
maintains strong working relationships with many of the utilities, and the cities and towns across
Massachusetts.
2.2.1 One Source Power Affiliate
One Source Power is an IBEW affiliated Power Line Company which performs Electrical Distribution,
Telecommunications construction in the Power Space and Emergency Response Services to electric
utility providers in the eastern half of the United States.
2.2.2 Accreditations and Qualifications
MCC is an approved & accredited installation contractor for Petra Systems solar solutions and related
components. MCC is also an ISNetworld approved contractor – Grade: “A.”
MCC is licensed as a Massachusetts Licensed Builder, Massachusetts Licensed Construction Supervisor
and Massachusetts Licensed Electrician. Additionally, MCC is affiliated with One Source Power, an IBEW
Contractor with Locals 104 and Local 42 in New England.
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MCC Response to National Grid Request for Proposal – Solar Phase II Initiative
MAVERICK-PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL 7
2.3 Funding MCC is primarily self-funding for all projects and has a zero balance on a multimillion dollar line of credit.
2.4 Financial Statement MCC has provided an financial statement as an attachment to this proposal in the National Grid ARIBA
system. Maverick does not conduct Audited financials, Maverick has long term debt and maintains in
excess of 3 million in unused lines of credit and access to in excess of 20 million of outside capital
2.5 Contracted/Anticipated Solar PV Projects MCC is a strategic partner with Ameresco participating in the RFP process for the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation 2013 Solar PV Energy Program for providing solar PV resources along the
I-90 corridor.
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MCC Response to National Grid Request for Proposal – Solar Phase II Initiative
MAVERICK-PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL 8
3 Experience and Project References
Maverick is an experienced, full-service power and communications network utility construction
company. MCC’s construction and project management experience coupled with Petra Systems utility
pole-mount solar experience provide a wealth of capability for the National Grid Solar Phase II Initiative.
3.1 Customer Reference List Customer references for MCC and product/service provider, Petra Systems, have provided reference
lists as attachments to this proposal in the National Grid ARIBA system, per RFP Section 4.2.
3.2 Petra Systems Experience with Contracts of Similar Size and Scope Petra Systems has completed major pole-mount AC module solar projects in New Jersey, California,
Bahrain, Jordan and other locations. Two of Petra Systems’ key projects are described here.
3.2.1 PSE&G Solar 4 All Program – 40MW
In July 2009 the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved a 40 megawatt (MW) distributed solar
photovoltaic (PV) project carried out by Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), the largest utility in New
Jersey. The system was deployed and operated by Petra Systems to generate power through smart solar
systems installed on approximately 200,000 utility poles in the more than 300 towns and cities that
PSE&G serves.
Figure 1. Petra Systems Smart Solar Deployed On Utility Poles along Rt. 22 in New Jersey
The pole-mounted solar units provide numerous benefits to PSE&G customers and the State of New
Jersey. The power generated is tied directly into the electric grid to be used by all PSE&G electric
customers. Each pole-mounted solar unit placed in service generates value from:
1) Sale of its electricity and capacity into the wholesale electric grid
2) Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) produced
3) Federal investment tax credits
PSE&G monetizes all of this value and the dollars are returned to customers by offsetting the overall
cost of the program. Additionally, the pole-mounted solar units help New Jersey reach its renewable
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energy portfolio requirement, which was set in the State Energy Master Plan. PSE&G is taking advantage
of previously untapped resources — space on utility poles — without the cost, permitting and land use.
The project helped to create jobs and drive economic development by making New Jersey a leading
state for solar power.
3.2.2 Bahrain Community Solar — 5MW Project
Let Bahrain Shine is a collaborative project among Petra Systems, Caspian Energy Holdings, the Bahrain
National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), the Bahrain Electricity &
Water Authority (EWA), academia, industry, and government. The deployment builds a foundation for
future smart grid applications such as outage management, AMI, street light control and demand
response. It is the first step in building a smart community with advanced smart energy technologies.
Located in the Awali Community, the University of Bahrain and other locations in Bahrain, the project
provides a 5 MW highly distributed solar power plant with estimated annual energy production of 4.2
million kWh.
Figure 2. Petra Systems Smart Solar Deployed at Awali in Bahrain (Pole and Car Parks)
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4 Construction and Commissioning
MCC proposes to develop6.7megawatts (MW) of DC-nameplate solar power generation on National Grid
utility poles in the towns listed in Error! Reference source not found.. The general approach that MCC
proposes is the use of pole-mount solar AC modules directly grid-connected to the 120V distribution
secondary. SunWave AC Modules have been deployed in New Jersey by utility PSE&G providing 40MW
of power on approximately 200,000 utility poles and shown to be extremely flexible for deployment
across a wide variety of conditions
In using these proven and flexible solar solutions, MCC expects to maximize returns for National Grid
while simultaneously providing a model and basis for expansion throughout National Grid territory. The
proposed solution also provides National Grid with significant ancillary benefits including advanced
inverter features in support of Massachusetts DPU and National Grids grid modernization programs.
Installations will be performed by IBEW journeyman linemen provided through Maverick’s affiliate
company, One Source Power (OSP). OSP has a depth of resources in the multiple operational facets
required to complete a construction project of this nature. Depending on the locations awarded under
this proposal, OSP will deploy multiple crews to in order minimize the overall construction timeframe.
Quality Control/Quality Assurance standards will be developed and maintained from initial assembly to
assembly of final as-built documentation.
OSP will strictly adhere to National Grid Safety Standards, as well as their own company safety policies.
Project specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) will be developed along
with regular Tailboards completed by each crew. Because on the nature of the install within close
proximity of the general public and vehicular traffic, these specific safety aspects of the work will be
given special attention and closely monitored. One Source Power is also an ISNetworld approved
contractor with an “A’ rating.
4.1 Proposed Sites MCC proposes to deploy the total 6.7MW of pole-mount solar units at the sites which are detailed in
RFP Attachment 2- Solar PV Array Info Sheet which is incorporated with this proposal as an MS Excel
spreadsheet uploaded to the National Grid ARIBA system.
4.2 System Description MCC will provide a comprehensively supported, integrated, PV solar solution comprising the SunWave
Solar AC solution. The SunWave solution mounts on existing National Grid utility poles above the
communications zone eliminating permit issues, and connects directly to the distribution secondary for
increased energy harvest and reduced line losses. Leveraging smart grid type communications, the
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SunWave solution also offers advanced inverter features (see 4.2.2.3.1) in support of National Grid grid
modernization efforts.
Operations will be managed via a Maverick built network operations center (NOC), with National Grid
access via secure web browser, using the IntelliView management system connected by virtual private
network to cellular wireless service provider infrastructure bearing communications to the distributed
PV solar solution. IntelliView is also used for reporting system energy production and controlling grid
modernization features.
The solution also includes mounting racks, complete support and training in use of the IntelliView
management portal, and safety procedures around deployments.
4.2.1 Value to National Grid
The AC module pole-mount solar solution has features and capabilities beneficial to National Grid well
beyond solar energy production. Benefits are summarized here. Many of these benefits are detailed in
Appendix O.
Advanced inverter features to support National Grid grid modernization efforts
Capability for streetlight management – on, off, maintenance alerts, etc.
Distributed solar generation benefits such as reduced line losses
Ability to shift peak via azimuth by varying deployment
Reduced duty life on tap changers, voltage regulators and switched capacitor banks
Reduced reliance on Line Drop Compensation, thus enabling a more uniform voltage profile
across the feeder and laterals
Aesthetically pleasing community showcase of commitment to renewable energy
Leverages existing pole assets
No environmental impact studies or issues
Reliability - no single point of system failure
Increased energy harvest vs. traditional deployments
Immediately and incrementally deployable
No permitting, land use concerns or zoning issues
Opportunity to leverage sensor data for activities such as CVR and outage restoration
Rapid installation
Incremental deployment and rolling commissioning capability builds rated-base assets quickly
Two way communications deployed with solar solution
Storage-ready solar solution
Access to experienced line crews
4.2.2 Technology Selection Solar AC modules have been proven in recent years to support increased energy harvesting, enhanced
safety and improved deploy ability versus traditional DC string solar solutions. MCC will use SunWave™
AC modules for this project, and or approved equal , enabling highly modular, incrementally deployable
solar units on all possible National Grid utility poles in the selected towns. Further information regarding
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the benefits of solar AC modules may be found in Appendix O of this proposal. Cut sheets for major
components are listed in Appendix N and have been uploaded to the National Grid ARIBA system *
The ecosystem is presented in Figure 3. As shown, the Smart Energy Portal views demonstrate data
access via the IntelliView platform. Data center management is part of the NOC services. Figure 4 further
demonstrates the Petra Systems position in the context of electrical transmission and distribution. More
product details are provided in subsequent sections of this proposal.
The SunWave™ solar AC Module which combines a single solar panel, and pole-mount rack. Also
included is the Petra Systems SunWave Communicator™ which is part of the data management and
control system for the solution. Finally, the IntelliView™ management portal solution is provided as a
means of access to system data as well as for management and control.
The SunWave System features bidirectional communication between pole-mount solar units and the
network operations center. Each Petra Systems smart energy module acts as a smart grid appliance and
automatically becomes a two way communications node on a distributed wireless communication
network of Petra Systems devices using standardized ZigBee® protocols over IEEE 802.15.4 physical
layer. This communication network is then aggregated by the Petra Systems SunWave Communicator™
and data is backhauled to the data center. The backhaul may take on any form that is suitable for the
operator, including wired, fiber optic, and wireless. Wireless networks, including WiFi and cellular (the
proposed option), are often used for ease in network deployment. With this smart grid network in place,
all of the management, control, diagnostic, optimization and sensing capabilities of smart grid
appliances can be managed by a network management system (NMS) software module in IntelliView
from the NOC, or remotely through secure web browser.
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Figure 3. Petra Systems Product Ecosystem
Figure 4. Petra Systems in the Context of Electrical Transmission and Distribution
4.2.2.1 SunWave Smart Grid and Distributed Solar Benefits
As part of any SunWave solar deployment, smart grid benefits are also distributed, enabling significant
electric grid reliability and efficiency capabilities as well as ancillary benefits. The distributed solar units
create infrastructure increasing visibility into the distribution network and adding granularity to the data
available for managing the grid. This in turn enhances the operator’s ability to improve reliability and
efficiency. For example, voltage measurement and optional reactive power controls enable conservation
voltage regulation and volt-VAR optimization on the grid at the operator’s discretion (see section
4.2.2.3.1, Appendix M and Appendix O). Other benefits include potential support for outage
management/restoration systems, theft of service detection and street light control. Petra Systems
smart grid communications can be as extensive or as compact as desired by the system operator, and
many options are possible to expand even beyond the smart grid capabilities described here.
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4.2.2.2 PV Solar Module
Petra Systems uses high quality crystalline photovoltaic solar panels from LG for its integrated AC
module solar units. The panels used undergo rigorous quality control, with manufacturing meeting the
highest International Standards: ISO9001:2000 quality and ISO14001:2004 environmental standards.
The modules will meet UL1703 and IEC 61215, and have high conversion efficiency of greater than 17%.
Modules carry a 10 year product warranty and 25 year output warranty and are UL certified as well as
having guaranteed positive tolerance –starting at 0% to ensure power output reliability. PV modules also
carry a wind load of 2400 Pascal and snow load of 5400 Pascal, and have excellent performance under
low light environments (morning, evening and cloudy days).
4.2.2.3 SunWave Smart Energy Module
The Smart Energy Module (SEM) integrated with each AC Solar Module provides individual monitoring,
metering, and command and control of every solar panel as well as advanced inverter features. Detailed
performance data can be obtained as well as rapid identification of underperforming or failed units in a
large deployment. In traditional systems, automatic pinpointing of problem panels is not possible
without expensive additional monitoring equipment.
At the heart of each SunWave Smart Energy Module is the SunWave inverter that optimizes the output
of each individual panel, maximizing energy generation during every moment of operation and
maximizing solar system output as the solution performance varies continuously with changes in
sunlight intensity, shading, temperature and other operating conditions. Additionally, each SEM is
capable of reporting telemetry to IntelliView including solar output voltage, frequency and current, and
grid voltage and frequency, as well as solar energy produced, measured with ANSI C12.1/C12.20
certified 1% accuracy.
Electrical characteristics of the SEM include the capability to support 120V AC as well as the important
safety feature of UL/IEEE anti-islanding by automatically disabling power output until grid connection is
established, or similarly, halting power output if grid voltage disappears.
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Figure 5. Smart Energy Module (SEM)
4.2.2.3.1 GridWave™ Advanced Inverter Features
Each SunWave SEM is also capable of GridWave advanced inverter features. More detail is provided in
Appendix M in response to RFP Section 9.9.
GridWave solutions extend the functionality of the Petra Systems SunWave™ smart energy offerings
with capabilities supporting grid reliability and efficiency. GridWave solutions enable distribution utilities
to proactively manage grid effects caused by renewable generation intermittency such as sudden
overvoltage or undervoltage conditions as well as supporting existing grid infrastructure by reducing
switching frequency of on-load tap changers, voltage regulators and capacitors. GridWave solutions,
based on technology developed in coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Grid
Integration Systems (SEGIS) program, are established on the concept of generator emulation which
captures the inertial behavior, as well as finite and controlled impedance of a synchronous generator, to
facilitate stable grid management. Providing a superset of functionality to UL 1741 operation, GridWave
solutions enable utilities to move to next-generation grid reliability functionality while providing for safe
return to standard UL 1741 modes. In doing so, GridWave solutions open the door for utilities to
proactively manage next-generation standards benefits while maintaining required compliance
standards.
Reactive Power (VAR) Management
GridWave solutions support the injection of user-specified fixed reactive power to the full capacity of
device operation, both leading and lagging. When commanding fixed VAR, GridWave limits real power
output as needed to achieve the requested VAR output. More technical background on VAR control can
be found in Appendix O.17.
Automated volt-VAR operation provides voltage regulation support by sinking reactive power if the line
voltage is higher than the selected maximum voltage and by sourcing reactive power if the line voltage
drops below the selected minimum voltage. No operator intervention is required other than to
configure the applicable voltage range as percentages of nominal line voltage from 80% to 110%.
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Power Curtailment
GridWave solutions support user-specified manual and automated power curtailment that minimizes
over generation to prevent power reliability issues. GridWave supports fixed power curtailment, limiting
power output to a fixed maximum as a percentage of system maximum from 0% to 100%.
Automated power curtailment manages potential overvoltage situations based on temperature and
frequency. Temperature-based power curtailment is always enabled, derating the power output when
the operating temperature exceeds 65° C. Frequency-based automated power curtailment may be
enabled and disabled as desired. Frequency-based automated power curtailment will limit real output
power to manage voltage increases due to increasing grid frequency. When operating in conjunction
with automated volt-VAR, automated power curtailment is only employed when the overvoltage
condition is beyond the capacity of the automated volt-VAR function.
Voltage Window
GridWave supports user-specified valid voltage windows within which the device operates when
connected to an energized grid. Essentially, this capability allows a GridWave-enabled device to operate
within user-selected voltage windows (wider, narrower, or overlapping UL 1741 voltage window
requirements). UL 1741 specifies two ranges of operating voltage limits; normal and fast-acting. Grid
voltage excursions outside the normal (narrower) limits cause disconnection of the device after a
specified number of cycles. A wider excursion outside of the fast-acting limits causes a faster
disconnection. GridWave solutions follow the same model, but allow the reconfiguration of these limits.
Voltage window parameters are expressed as a percentage of the nominal operating voltage at the
point of interconnection. The narrower “normal” window may be adjusted from 80% to 120% of
nominal voltage, and the wider “fast-acting” window may be adjusted from 20% to 120% of nominal
voltage.
Frequency Window
GridWave solutions support user-specified valid frequency windows within which the device shall
operate when connected to an energized grid. Essentially, this capability allows a GridWave-enabled
device to operate within different frequency windows (wider, narrower, or overlapping UL 1741 window
requirements). Frequency window ranges are 57Hz to 63Hz for 60Hz nominal systems and 47Hz to 53Hz
for 50Hz nominal systems.
Voltage Ride-Through
Voltage ride-through enables continued operation of GridWave-enabled devices for a user-specified
duration within a user-specified voltage limit rather than immediately disconnecting from the grid (as
per UL 1741). Generally, low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) is the key functionality enabling, for example,
grid connection to be maintained during reclosing operations. High-voltage ride-through is also a
capability. The voltage ride-through window is fixed (0% to 120%) of nominal voltage. The user defines
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the duration for which the voltage ride-through function will be enabled in the range of 0 to 300
seconds. Within this window, the device will continue to operate and smoothly return to normal
operation if line conditions permit within the specified duration.
4.2.2.4 SunWave AC Module
Figure 6 shows a rendering of the SunWave AC module comprising a PV solar module (panel) the Petra
Systems SEM and pole-mount rack. The SEM is connected via certified cabling to the solar panel DC
output. The AC output of the SEM then connects directly to the grid by connection into the distribution
secondary.
Figure 6. Petra Systems AC Module (PV Solar Module with Smart Energy Module)
4.2.2.5 Solar Racking
The National Grid Smart Solar deployment will use utility pole racks which are integral to the AC module
solution. The rack has a fixed elevation of 30 degrees and may be mounted at any azimuth on a pole. All
rack solutions shall be PE certified for Massachusetts installation. Figure 6 shows the rack as part of the
solar unit solution. An assembly drawing for the rack is also provided with preliminary design package
information. The rack system comes with a range of attachment types to accommodate attachment to
wood, concrete, steel and aluminum poles.
4.2.2.6 SunWave Communicator
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The SunWave Communicator is a two-way communications system allowing individual monitoring and
control of each SunWave AC Module. It also enables remote management of a large, geographically
dispersed AC Module population from a centralized location. The SunWave communicator can be
mounted with, or apart from, an array of SunWave AC modules. A photograph of the SunWave
Communicator is provided in Figure 7.
The SunWave Communicator smart grid communications system provides three main functions.
1. Monitors and reports on the operation and health of the SunWave AC modules. This function
consists of recording how much energy is generated and sending maintenance and repair alerts
to the network operations center.
2. Provides tools for remote command and control of the SunWave AC modules. A remote
command can, for instance, enable the generation of reactive power, a feature that increases
line efficiency and helps stabilize voltage levels on the power lines.
3. Provides a cost effective backbone for other smart grid initiatives such as Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) and load management or demand response programs. The SunWave
technology also provides utilities with grid reliability tools. The systems constantly monitor and
provide real-time status updates on critical operating parameters such as voltage and frequency
thereby supporting automatic power outage detection and faster repair response time.
Figure 7. SunWave Communicator
4.2.2.7 IntelliView Management Portal
The IntelliView smart energy management platform comprises four main functional modules. The
Energy Management System (EMS) module enables the user to access energy generation data via a
secure web browser in the system owner’s operations center (Figure 8). The Network Management
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System (NMS) module enables communications network management and control from the operations
center (Figure 9). The Grid Management System (GMS) supports management and control of GridWave
advanced inverter capabilities for distribution grid management. The Lighting Control System (LCS)
manages street light control deployments which are deployed using the Petra Systems communications
network.
The system calibrates and stores the AC Module telemetry and enables access by authorized personnel
from a web based graphical user interface (GUI). In addition, the system provides the command console
used for transmitting configuration commands to the SunWave AC Modules and SunWave
Communicator. The command console also makes possible the ability for remote firmware upgrades for
value added application upgrades in the future.
In addition, the system can be upgraded to provide the command console used for transmitting
configuration commands to the SunWave AC Modules and SunWave Communicator. The command
console makes possible the ability for value-added application upgrades to the system for ancillary
smart grid features such as optional added street lighting control.
SEE NEXT PAGE
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Figure
8. IntelliView – Energy Management Tab
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Figure 9. IntelliView – Network Management Tab
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4.3 Energy Production Methodology TBD - Provide energy production capacity methodology used with results presented in Solar PV Array
Info Sheet )
4.4 Site Preparation and Installation One of the key benefits of the Petra Systems pole-mount AC solar solution is the ability for rapid, rolling
installation and commissioning, as well as the fact that little or no site preparation is required.
Installation sites, utility poles, are selected by the basic procedure described in this section. The only
unlikely preparation necessary may be trimming of branches causing shading. Generally, shaded poles
are simply bypassed.
Solar units mount rapidly, in 20 to 30 minutes, and begin producing power after just 5 minutes of
connection, bringing the system online safely and enabling incremental commissioning.
4.4.1 Pole Selection
The proper selection of utility distribution poles is an important prerequisite for a well performing
system. MCC will work with National Grid to ensure appropriate poles are selected for solar deployment
and to optimize Petra Systems’ GridWave advanced inverter benefits. General pole selection guidelines
include:
The pole should be in good condition (not leaning or crooked) and structurally sound;
metal/fiberglass/concrete poles (e.g., streetlights,) should be assessed using the effective
projected area (EPA) rating of the pole.
Select a mounting zone that will allow the solar unit to face true/solar south with minimal
shading from nearby structures or trees, or from equipment or wires on the pole. The next best
orientations are facing southwest or southeast if rotation will significantly reduce shading.
The pole must provide a live 120VAC line for interconnection.
The Solar Unit is approximately 30 inches tall (including the mounting channel). If it is being
mounted on the street curb side of a pole adjacent to the roadway, it should not be mounted
lower than the required distance above the roadway per Utility guidelines or the applicable local
or national codes (whichever is more stringent).
For installations on poles where there are no curbs, the Solar Unit should be positioned a
sufficient distance from the roadway to avoid incidental contact by ordinary vehicles using and
located on the travel surface.
When mounting on distribution poles, a minimum clearance from communication lines,
overhead electric conductors, or other electrical equipment on the pole must be per local or
national electric industry standards or Utility guidelines, whichever is more stringent.
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4.4.2 Handheld Database Tool
Installation is typically managed using a handheld tool capable of recording GPS coordinates, taking
photographs, scanning barcodes and data-basing typed or written information. Database information
stored on the handheld device is then transferred to the master IntelliView database via secure Internet
connection. Optionally, the installer may manage the installation database prior to transfer to
IntelliView to ensure completeness. Figure 10 and Figure 11 show sample screens
Figure 10. Database View of Pole Mount Installation Data
Figure 1 shows the main database listing including the type of work performed, pole number, GPS
location, GIS information such as map grid number, device serial number, installation height and
azimuth, and installer information. Figure 11 shows a ground level picture of the installation and an
image of the distribution secondary splice drip loop to confirm proper installation.
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Figure 11. Database View of Pole Mount Installation Data
4.4.3 Pole-mount Installation Summary
A detailed installation guide is available from Maverick for pole-mount installation of the SunWave AC
module PV solar unit. Typically, solar units are assembled at a staging area and transported by the
installation crews to pole locations for installation. Installation is generally performed using a bucket
truck and a two Journeyman Lineman team. Experienced crews regularly install a unit in 20 to 25
minutes from parking to driving away. The process is summarized here.
Park, deploy safety cones, ready solar unit and bucket
Locate height and azimuth for installation
Mark and drill pole for rack hangar bracket (“wing/arm assembly”)
Hoist and hang solar unit on bracket
Fasten the solar unit in place
Splice the solar unit AC cable into the 120VAC distribution line with drip loop
Dress the cable along the pole and coil excess cable
Connect the AC cable to the SEM output pigtail
Wait 5 minutes for UL 1741 safety timer to elapse and power generation to begin
Confirm AC output of solar unit using clamp-on inductive AC ammeter
Clean area of any waste, remove cones, depart for next installation
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4.5 Commissioning Procedure TBD - Sample protocol that describes testing and commissioning for each PV system. Note “rolling”
commissioning during project installation. Commissioning procedure from NOC and w/in IntelliView.
4.6 Development Schedule The detailed schedule for engineering, procurement and construction of each PV system is incorporated
with this proposal as a separate document uploaded to the National Grid ARIBA system.
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5 Operation and Maintenance
MCC, will provide operations monitoring and data hosting services for the required five year duration of
the program. MCC will provide direct maintenance as required.
MCC O&M Services comprise the Network Operations Center (NOC) services and IntelliView. The Petra
Systems offering features remote monitoring services, energy production reporting and advanced data
analytics coupled with highly skilled management of Petra’s SunWave smart solar energy solutions. This
powerful combination allows customers to intelligently manage their PV systems by maximizing energy
production, minimizing downtime, and ensuring maximum return on PV investments.
5.1 Network Operations Services The Maverick NOC services leverage the expertise of the Petra Systems trained technical staff to be the
first line of defense in managing, monitoring and troubleshooting the system. This model allows
customers to focus on other key functions of their operations, while deriving full benefits from their
investment.
IntelliView Access. The ability to remotely manage the network and assets are enabled by
having access to IntelliView.
Hosting Services. Petra Systems will provide hosting services as part of the NOC services which
enable the secure hosting of data associated with the network and energy management
systems. Network Engineers will support this service to ensure reliability of data/information is
continually accessible to the customer.
Data Storage. Storing data for a period of time is important for the management and technical
teams alike. With historical data, issues, alerts and other relevant information is readily
accessible for reporting, troubleshooting and even forecasting. Petra Systems will work with the
customer to ensure that the guaranteed period of time for Data Storage is adequate for their
specific application and organizational needs.
Secure VPN. Maverick will ensure secure connection to the data center by Virtual Private
Network (VPN). This will ensure that only authorized users are able to have access to data which
may be private or critical.
Configuration Management. Petra Systems NOC personnel will maintain device and system
configuration details, ensuring the all associated information is acquired and logged. This will be
performed upon installation. In the event a change is required, the NOC personnel will
communicate with required party requesting the change, ensure that all affected parties are
notified of the request, and ensure that the impact of the change is addressed and approved.
The NOC personnel will update changes to the configuration as required.
Provisioning. Installation information required to be entered into IntelliView, in order to
activate each end device and over-all system will be performed during provisioning.
Technical Support. If issues arise when the end devices are installed, the NOC personnel will
provide their expertise to assist the customer’s operations center in troubleshooting issues to
lead to resolutions. This level of support can also be available for maintenance of the system.
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Field Deployment Verification. NOC personnel will verify that the designed system parameters,
both energy and network actual, are comparable to the actual installed data. If the variances are
out of range, the NOC personnel will perform the required analysis to determine what steps are
needed to meet the required thresholds.
Burn In. NOC personnel will ensure units that each unit which undergoes a field acceptance test,
subsequently undergoes a burn-in test. This is a monitoring 30-day period, where initial
accepted values are compared and evaluated, to ensure that each parameter meets expected
thresholds. This testing process gives another layer of assurance that the system, as installed at
each location operates reliability.
Periodic Preventative Maintenance. On a periodic basis, typically every quarter, the system is
‘scrubbed’ to evaluate how units are performing. A view of a snapshot of network and energy
performance is also trended over this period, giving the ability to identify issues before an
outage or loss of generation occurs. Failed equipment identification, remote upgrades for
system patches are performed as part of this process.
Triaging. NOC personnel will identify issues and route resolution requests to appropriate parties
Troubleshooting. NOC personnel will use all steps in as network managers to understand nature
of each identified issue and ultimately determine the root cause. Subsequent identification of
problem resolution will be performed
Operations and Maintenance Dispatch. NOC personnel will contact (via phone or email as
appropriate) and follow-up with Customer Field Personnel, until adequate problem resolution
occurs.
Reporting. Monthly status report will be created and generated, providing information on
Energy Settlement, Installation Status, Network Health and other management required data.
RMA. NOC personnel will investigate failures and identify when units are required to be
returned to manufacturer. Since the Return Material Authorization (RMA) will be identified and
addressed by Petra Systems, the process may take place in a more efficient manner.
System Access Administration. Petra Systems NOC personnel will manage user administration –
personnel logins, passwords etc.
5.1.1 Network Operations Center
The Network Operations Center (NOC) will be a state of the art, secure facility at Maverick headquarters
in Boston which houses the highly trained and skilled personnel, equipment and applications utilized to
manage and/or support the smart grid network and assets. The NOC enables engineers to monitor the
deployed assets, coordinate activities, as well as investigate any potential performance and
communications alerts.
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MAVERICK-PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL 28
Figure 12. Petra Systems Operations and Support Engineers
5.2 Maintenance Necessary field maintenance of the projects shall be completed by MCC through its IBEW affiliate One
Source Power
One of the significant advantages of a pole mount solution is that it requires no scheduled field
maintenance. Additionally, the system is inherently reliable as a single unit, or even several unit, failure
does not affect the performance of the remainder of the system. See Appendix O.7 and Appendix O.9
for more detail.
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6 Pricing
Formal pricing is provided in the Solar PV Array Info Sheet (RFP Attachment 2) which is incorporated
with this proposal as an MS Excel spreadsheet uploaded to the National Grid ARIBA system.
6.1 Pricing Discounts Applicable price discounts are listed in Solar PV Array Info Sheet (RFP Attachment 2) which is
incorporated with this proposal as an MS Excel spreadsheet uploaded to the National Grid ARIBA
system.
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7 Conclusion
Maverick Construction Corporation believes that the proposed development of 6.7megawatts (MW) of
solar photovoltaic power generation capacity on National Grid utility pole assets will provide National
Grid with the best opportunity to provide energy cost reduction through renewable means while
including the capability to monitor and measure savings, and support advanced inverter features for grid
modernization efforts.
Please note the summaries of compliance and additional information provided in the attached
appendixes as well as other information incorporated into this proposal as separate files on the National
Grid ARIBA system.
MCC thanks National Grid for the opportunity to participate in the proposal process for the Solar Phase
II Initiative and for the time taken to evaluate this proposal. MCC is prepared to answer any questions or
provide additional information as necessary.
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Appendix A – Site/Location Compliance Table 1 lists the Site and Location Requirements from Section 9.1 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP.
Each requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as
relevant, including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 1. Site/Location Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 The Bidder shall coordinate with the host municipality and shall be fully responsible for obtaining any planning, building, electrical, zoning, access, and other land use or occupancy permits that may be required in connection with the development. In addition, all fees and charges associated with obtaining permits and approvals are the responsibility of the Bidder.
Will comply.
2 All systems must be installed in accordance with all local, state, and federal codes and regulations. The Bidder shall have a professional engineering firm that is licensed to practice engineering in the state of Massachusetts sign off on the design and must certify that the system is designed and built in accordance with all local, state, and federal codes.
Will comply.
3 The Bidder shall be fully responsible for all permitting required for the design, construction, operation, and interconnection with the utility of the facility, and shall be responsible for compliance with any conditions resulting from a permit issued in connection with each proposed development.
Will comply.
4 Work shall be in accordance with NFPA 70, version adopted by local jurisdiction, and the editions, revisions, amendments, or supplements of applicable statutes, ordinances, codes, or regulations of Federal, State, and Local Authorities having jurisdiction in effect on the date bids are received.
Will comply.
5 Where approval standards have been established by OSHA, UL, ASME, AGA, AMCA, ANSI, ARI, NFPA (e.g., 70E), State Fire Insurance Regulatory Body, and FM proposals shall follow these standards.
Will comply.
6 Each site will be required to have a lockable and weatherproof box that will house a copy of the O&M manual for the site and a copy of the system as-built drawings.
O&M is performed remotely via secure web browser. All information provided online. The proposed deployment is distributed on National Grid utility poles making local boxes unnecessary.
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
7 The Bidder will be responsible for providing a secure system/site and for providing keys or a method of unobstructed access for the company during and after construction.
Security is provided by height from ground on utility pole as well as individual panel connection in remote monitor, IntelliView causing an alert if disconnected.
8 A convenience outlet at 120v/20 amp to provide power for test equipment and other diagnostic equipment shall be installed within fifteen feet of each inverter.
The proposed deployment is distributed on National Grid utility poles. Necessary test equipment is generally carried by lineman or in bucket. No convenience outlet will be provided.
9 Equipment enclosures shall be suitable for outdoor installation in New England, subject to sun, rain, wind, snow, etc.
Will comply.
10 For equipment located inside a host building or structure, adequate access and lighting must be provided.
Not applicable. All equipment will be deployed on utility poles.
11 Perform all site clearing, earthwork, and grading in such a manner to avoid any flooding, ponding or erosional damage on and off of the project location.
Will comply. No site clearing should be necessary other than possible limited tree branch clearing.
12 Site must have suitable groundcover such that erosion of site soils does not occur.
Not Applicable. Deploying on existing National Grid utility poles eliminates such site issues.
13 Solar PV Array must be shade free between 10 AM and 2 PM on Winter Solstice
Will comply.
14 If a roof mounted system has components that require a harness to safely access or that are within ten feet of the edge of a roof, permanent anchor points for safety harness tethering shall be provided
Not applicable. Deployment on National Grid utility poles accessed by bucket truck or climbing lineman.
15 Roof mounted systems shall be designed such that walkways are left to access all parts of the roof or any equipment on the roof
Not Applicable. No roof mount systems.
16 Permanent roof access should be made via a ladder that can be locked
Not Applicable. No roof mount systems.
17 Bidders must provide a qualified roofing professional’s evaluation of the roofing material with an estimate of the likely remaining useful life of the roof. Any roof being considered must not need replacement for at least seven years from the start date of the lease
Not Applicable. No roof mount systems.
18 Avoid shading from vegetation, existing obstructions (stacks, vents, chimney, etc.) or nearby buildings
Will comply.
19 Remain within acceptable ranges for wind and snow loads Will comply.
20 Bidders are required to ensure that the installation of rooftop solar energy systems will not adversely impact roof integrity or violate existing roof warranties
Not Applicable. No roof mount systems.
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
21 Ground mounted systems shall require an eight foot high, one-inch mesh chain link fencing with locking sixteen foot gates such that it encompasses the entire Solar PV Array. Fence must allow access around array for O&M and emergency access.
Not Applicable. No ground mount systems.
22 The fence should meet or exceed the Chain Link Fence Manufacturer Institute (CLFMI) guidelines and comply with the American Standards and Testing Materials (ASTM International), and related Federal Specifications for all security chain link fence materials and installation.
Not Applicable. No ground mount systems.
23 Material for fence posts should be Type ll round posts cold formed, having minimum yield strength of 50,000 P.S.I. Vertical line fence posts should be no less than two and three-eights (2 3/8) inches O.D. Corner posts and terminal posts should be no less than two and seven-eights (2 7/8) inches O.D. Post Braces should be provided for each gate, corner pull, and end post. Brace should be a round tubular brace extending to the adjacent vertical line fence posts at mid-height of the fence fabric with a truss rod not less than five-sixteenth (5/16) inch diameter. Each truss rod should be equipped with a turnbuckle to accommodate adjustment.
Not Applicable. No ground mount systems.
24 The fence should be able to resist winds of sixty (60) mph with a point three-five (0.35) coefficient factor for wind gusts and ice. Based on CLFMI guidelines, horizontal rails should be installed to secure the fence along the bottom. Install a top tension wire at the top edge of the fence. Install an additional rail at the mid-point of the fence for one (1) inch mesh.
Not Applicable. No ground mount systems.
25 The fence must extend to within two (2) inches of firm ground and be installed below the surface if the soil is sandy, or easily shifted by the weather. Ditches, troughs, and dips in the topography must be filled in with fine soil, or culverts should be installed to prevent washouts. In general, any opening greater than three (3) inches must be secured.
Not Applicable. No ground mount systems.
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Appendix B – Electrical Design Compliance Table 2 lists the Electrical Design Requirements from Section 9.2 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each
requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as relevant,
including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 2. Electrical Design Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 Conduit shall be rigid galvanized steel (RGS) for aboveground installations and transitions (e.g., 90-degree sweeps from below-grade to aboveground).
Not Applicable. Utility pole mounted PV units splice to distribution secondary using plastic guard on pole to cover exposed wiring from PV unit to interconnection point.
2 Schedule 40 PVC for below-grade installations unless otherwise approved.
Not Applicable. Utility pole mounted PV units have no below-grade installation.
3 String combiner boxes must include properly-sized fusing, and all metal equipment components must be bonded and grounded as required by NEC.
Will comply.
4 Outdoor electrical equipment, including but not limited to, disconnects and combiners shall have NEMA Type 3R or NEMA Type 4 ratings and be UL Listed.
Will comply.
5 PV modules should be installed in a single contiguous area, with no more than 2% DC loss from the array to inverter equipment.
Will comply with minimum loss requirement. PV unit deployment is to be distributed on National Grid utility poles.
6 Fasteners and hardware throughout the system shall be stainless steel or materials of equivalent corrosion resistance
Will comply.
7 Unprotected steel shall not to be used in any components Will comply.
8 All non-metallic exposed materials shall be sunlight and UV resistant.
Will comply.
9 The design shall include the appropriate sizing of all cabling (above and below ground) that will connect the PV modules, arrays, inverters, transformer and switchgear to the point of interconnection. Wire sizing and layout should result in no more than 1.0% drop in the AC voltage between the inverter and the point of interconnection.
Will comply.
10 All protection equipment throughout the system shall be sized and specified to reduce damage on all components and the interconnection point in case of electrical failure.
Will comply.
11 The electrical systems, wiring, conduits, cables shall be neatly routed to facilitate access, troubleshooting, maintenance, etc.
Will comply.
12 The electrical design shall include the design of equipment grounding, and lightning / surge protection for the entire PV installation up to the point of connection.
Will comply.
13 Electrical engineering and design shall meet industry standards such as the National Electric Code, UL-1741, IEEE 1547, and all other applicable local and state codes and standards.
Will comply.
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
14 National Grid will entertain the installation of 1,000 volt dc systems on ground mounted sites only.
Not Applicable. No high voltage DC solutions proposed. Only exposed voltage is 120VAC which is safely managed per UL 1741.
15 All high voltage (1001V and above) underground conduit shall be incased in concrete.
Not Applicable.
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Appendix C – Design Package Compliance Table 3 lists the Design Package Requirements from Section 9.3 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each
requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as relevant,
including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 3. Design Package Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 Prior to starting construction, the selected/successful Bidder is to provide the final design documentation for each location.
Will comply.
2 All interconnection costs, permits and associated fees are the responsibility of the Bidder.
We are currently carrying a $100,000.00 allowance for permit or interconnect fee costs.
3 The final design package must include: Preparation of 3 - Line Electrical Diagram (including wire sizing, conduit size, voltage drop calculation, and fuse ratings)
Will comply.
4 The final design package must include: Submittal of Manufacturer Cut Sheets for ALL proposed components (e.g., mounting system, combiner boxes, pull boxes, conduit, sealants, etc.)
Will comply.
5 Design package should follow the proposed numbering found in “Design Package Sheet Title List” (See Attachment 7).
Will comply.
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Appendix D – Structural Analysis and Design Compliance Table 4 lists the Structural Analysis and Design Requirements from Section 9.4 of the Solar Phase II
Initiative RFP. Each requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional
information as relevant, including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 4. Structural Analysis and Design Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 The Bidder shall provide a professional engineer’s stamped report describing and confirming the proposed design meets the requirements of the applicable codes, standards and permits.
Will comply.
2 For roof-mounted systems, the Bidder shall provide a professional engineer’s stamped report describing and confirming the structural integrity, remaining useful life and load bearing capacity of the roof and its ability to accommodate the photovoltaic modules and associated equipment.
Not Applicable. Roof mount systems not proposed.
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Appendix E – Interconnection Compliance Table 5 lists the Interconnection Requirements from Section 9.5 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each
requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as relevant,
including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 5. Interconnection Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 The Bidder will be responsible for the electric interconnection of the solar system with National Grid.
Will comply.
2 For locations with an existing electrical service, all equipment will be interconnected on the utility side of the point of common coupling (PCC).
Will comply.
3 Bidder will be responsible for all costs associated with interconnection to the distribution system.
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Appendix F - Construction Compliance Table 6 lists the Construction Requirements from Section 9.6 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each
requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as relevant,
including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 6. Construction Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 Upon acceptance of the final design by National Grid, the Bidder shall submit a construction schedule for the project.
Will comply.
2 Bidder shall maintain up to date copies of all schedules, drawings, specifications, permits and installation manuals at the construction site.
Will comply. Because the proposed deployment is distributed, materials shall be kept at the staging area.
3 Bidder shall be responsible for safe storage and security of all uninstalled equipment. Bidder shall be responsible for obtaining and paying for any required off-site warehouse space, temporary parking, staging or laydown areas.
Will comply.
4 Bidder shall recognize and respect any properties adjacent to the site and shall use reasonable efforts to minimize disruption to those neighbors (e.g., sediment control, dust control, traffic control, trash control, noise control, working hours etc.)
Will comply.
5 Bidder shall fully comply with all applicable notification, safety and work rules when working on or near National Grid facilities.
Will comply.
6 Bidder shall route all field routed electrical collection systems (e.g., string combiner boxes, cable trays, conduits, etc.) in a neat and orderly fashion and in accordance with all applicable code requirements. All cable/conductor terminations, excluding module-to-module and module-to-cable harness connections, shall be permanently labeled.
Will comply.
7 All equipment/cables/combiner boxes/tie wraps etc. exposed to sunlight shall be UV rated to withstand exposure to sunlight for the 20 year duration of the project.
Will comply.
8 Bidder shall provide all temporary road and warning signs, flagmen or equipment as necessary by law or practicality to safely execute the work. Street sweeping services shall also be similarly provided as necessary to keep any dirt, soil, mud, etc. off of roads.
Will comply.
9 Selected Bidders are to secure PV modules/panels to racking/support system using theft-deterrent fixings to minimize unauthorized removal of PV panels/modules. These fixings shall require the use of special tools to enable removal of modules/panels.
Not Applicable. Because PV units are bolted to utility poles at significant height and directly connected to 120VAC secondary, theft is improbable and special tools are necessary for access.
10 It is the responsibility of Bidder to build all structural, electrical, and mechanical aspects of the project as depicted in the final design. This includes the electrical system from the PV modules to the point of connection to the electrical distribution grid. The Bidder shall also provide all labor, temporary equipment, materials or facilities required to construct the project and place it into operation.
Will comply.
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
11 The Bidder shall ensure and verify that all hardware used on the system is torqued to manufacturer specifications.
Will comply.
12 The Bidder shall supply all temporary office space, temporary power, sanitation facilities, communications, and drinking water for their personnel on the Site.
Will comply.
13 Bidder shall keep the construction site clean and orderly throughout the duration of construction. All trash shall be disposed of off-site by licensed waste disposal companies and in accordance with applicable law.
Will comply.
14 Photo documentation of all phases of construction shall be collected by the successful Bidder and provide to the Company.
Will comply. Additionally, installation of the distributed utility pole-mount PV units includes photographing the installed unit for inclusion in the online database.
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Appendix G – Manufacturer Qualification Compliance Table 7 lists the Manufacturer Qualifications from Section 9.7 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each
requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as relevant,
including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 7. Manufacturer Qualification Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 The company prefers equipment from PV module and inverter manufactures that have been in the manufacturing business for at least 10 years, with at least five years manufacturing selected components of the size offered, for solar PV applications.
Will comply.
2 All Solar PV Array equipment shall be newly manufactured (not refurbished or reconditioned) from a reputable manufacturer, experienced in providing equipment for the application and conditions.
Will comply.
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Appendix H – Racking Compliance Table 8 lists the Racking Requirements from Section 9.8 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each
requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as relevant,
including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 8. Racking Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 All structural materials shall have adequate corrosion and grounding protection for the soils (if ground mounted) and environment in which it is placed.
Will comply.
2 Racking components shall be anodized aluminum, hot-dipped galvanized steel, or material of equivalent corrosion resistance throughout the twenty year project life taking into consideration the environmental conditions.
Will comply.
3 All structural and nonstructural components will be designed to resist the effects of gravity, seismic, wind, weather and other applicable loads (including snow) in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Building Code and wind uplift requirements per the ASCE Standard for Minimum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures.
Will comply.
4 All structural drawings associated with the project must be stamped by a Professional Structural Engineer registered within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Will comply.
5 The lowest edge of ground mounted solar modules shall be elevated a minimum 3 feet above the ground level.
Not Applicable. Ground mount not proposed.
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Appendix I – Inverter Compliance Table 9 lists the Inverter Requirements from Section 9.9 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each
requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as relevant,
including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 9. Inverter Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 Inverters shall be compliant with UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 Will comply.
2 Invertors shall have an audible noise: ≤62 dB (A) measured 3.3 ft (1 meter) from the PV Inverter.
Will comply.
3 The inverter units should have built-in tolerance to variation in Grid voltages. The inverter shall be capable of riding through voltage sags. Tolerance set points should be configurable to +/-10% minimum.
Will comply.
4 The three phase output voltages and currents shall be sinusoidal with low total harmonic distortion (THD) to meet IEEE 519-1992 harmonic requirements. Inverter supplier to provide all harmonic filters as required.
Will comply. Single phase output only for this type of installation.
5 Systems above 200 kW shall have a CEC weighted efficiency of 97.5 % or higher.
Each pole mount-unit has a CEC efficiency of 93%.Units are less than 200 kW.
6 National Grid requires a minimum of two inverters per site for sites larger than 100 kW.
Each pole-mount unit has one inverter. All units are less than 100 kW.
7 Include integral ac and dc disconnects. AC disconnects are included. DC interconnects are not applicable for the single-panel pole mount solution. The panel may be disconnected if necessary. MCC will install inline fuses as part of the National Grid specifications
8 Provide galvanic isolation between dc and ac system conductors.
Will comply.
9 The inverter ac nameplate shall not be less than the dc nameplate (to aid in the benefit of advanced inverter functionality).
Proposed system has inverter AC nameplate less than PV DC nameplate. PV nameplate is at STC conditions. In real world conditions, maximum average annual energy harvest is obtained with PV DC nameplate larger than inverter AC nameplate. Additionally, Petra Systems inverter has been shown to have 27% excess capacity which may be leveraged for added production.
10 MPPT capabilities are required. Will comply. MPPT performance is maximized due to the 1:1 ratio of inverter to PV module. Refer to Appendix O.4.
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
11 The inverters must have a ground fault detection (GFDI) system on the dc side to protect the system from a PV ground-fault. The inverter must be able to detect, notify (store and show fault codes), and interrupt photovoltaic ground-faults.
Per NEC Article 690, pole-mount solar AC modules do not require GFDI.
12 Measured on the AC side: Instantaneous voltages on each phase individually (Van, Vbn, Vcn, Vab, Vbc, and Vca).
Attachment to grid is single phase. Instantaneous voltage is measured on the phase to which the unit is connected.
13 Measured on the AC side: Instantaneous current readings on individual phases (Ia, Ib, and Ic) Instantaneous kW, kVA per phase.
Attachment to grid is single phase. Instantaneous current is measured on the phase to which the unit is connected.
14 Measured on the AC side: Daily Cumulative kWh. Will comply.
15 Measured on the AC side: Total kW and kVA. Will comply.
16 Measured on the DC side of inverter: Instantaneous dc currents on each home run into the inverter.
Will comply. Measurement is per pole-mount unit.
17 Measured on the DC side of inverter: Instantaneous dc voltage. Will comply. Measurement is per pole-mount unit.
18 Revenue grade energy meter. Will comply. Meter supports ANSI C12.1/C12.20 certified at1% accuracy
19 Inverter temperature within the inverter cabinet. Will comply.
20 Status of cooling system (fans) Not Applicable. Pole-mount units are shaded by the PV module and ambient air cooled via heat sink.
21 Error / diagnostic codes. Will comply.
22 Status of inverter (on /off). Will comply. Status is indicated via IntelliView. On-site output may be determined via clamp-on ammeter.
23 Time log of inverter operation start/finish periods each day – 28 day data storage to be held by inverter.
Will comply.
24 Firmware updates and their installation/commissioning over the warranty period shall be included in the contract price.
Will comply.
25 Factory Testing Certification or a report of all factory tests conducted shall be provided.
Will comply.
26 Communication protocols and remote monitoring of the inverter shall be available via RS485 SunSpec over ModBus.
Will comply.
27 The Inverters provided must carry a UL 1741 or equivalent certification. However, National Grid understands that enabling advanced inverter features described here may nullify this certification during operation.
Will comply.
28 Active/Reactive Power Control (Voltage and frequency regulation).
Will comply.
29 Power Factor Control. Will comply.
30 Ramp Rate Control. Will comply.
31 Under/Over voltage and frequency ride through. Will comply.
32 The inverter must be capable of remote start/stop according to the IEEE 1547a amendments.
Will comply.
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
33 Inverters shall be capable of DNP3 and/or IEC 61850 over MODBUS.
Will comply. The inverter is capable of communicating through DNP3, IEC 61850m and Modbus through the portal. This will act as a centralized interface for all inverters.
34 The above listed advanced functions shall be made available to National Grid over a secure remote connection.
Will comply.
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Appendix J – Solar Modules Compliance Table 10Table lists the Solar Modules Requirements from Section 9.10 of the Solar Phase II Initiative
RFP. Each requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as
relevant, including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 10. Solar Modules Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 PV modules must be Crystalline Silicon (Mono-Crystalline Silicon or Multi-Crystalline Silicon).
Will comply.
2 The Bidder is to ensure that the equipment and its functionality are suitable for meeting the overall requirements of the project. For the panel manufacture include information showing at least 5 years in photovoltaic panel manufacturing business, and still in business through bidding process.
Will comply.
3 The modules provided will be type tested and comply to the following standards: UL 1703 (The Standard for Safety for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels set by UL).
Will comply.
4 The modules provided will be type tested and comply to the following standards: ISO9001 – (Quality Management Systems).
Will comply.
5 The modules provided will be type tested and comply to the following standards: IEC 61215 and 61730 (Quality test for crystalline silicon modules; safety test).
Will comply.
6 The nameplate ratings of the systems shall not fall below the ratings agreed at final design.
Will comply.
7 Each PV module shall have its serial number recorded, and shall be flash tested under factory conditions to determine its IV characteristic which shall also be recorded against the serial number. National Grid shall be provided with the information in MS-Excel format.
Will comply.
8 Power loss due to module power mismatch is to be less than 2%. The Bidder is to provide National Grid with a strategy for achieving this. The modules shall be selected to eliminate output reduction by voltage mismatch within a string.
Will comply. Pole-mount units operate with one module per inverter. No strings are used. Refer to Appendix O.
9 Please provide specifications showing typical electrical characteristics for NOTC and STC (including I-V curve voltage and current for the maximum power point, maximum power current and maximum power voltage).
Will comply.
10 Provide PV module snow weight resistance – provide the maximum weight that the solar panels/frames/fixings can withstand before breaking or bending.
Will comply.
11 Provide PV module wind resistance – provide the maximum wind speed that the panels/frames/fixings can withstand before breakage. Wind impacting on the upper and lower surfaces should be considered.
Will comply.
*.*Maverick proposes the Petra System Sunwave System. Maverick eserve to the right to provide an or equal equivalent subject to National
Grids approval
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Appendix K – Weather Monitoring Station and DAS
Compliance Table 11 lists the Weather Monitoring Station and Data Acquisition System Requirements from Section
9.11 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each requirement is addressed with expected level of
compliance and additional information as relevant, including added value beyond the requirement
which may be provided.
Table 11. Weather Monitoring Station and Data Acquisition System Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 A data acquisition system shall be provided by the Bidder suitable for collecting and monitoring (locally and remotely) the performance data of the solar installation, PV panels, inverters and the irradiance, temperature and wind speed at the facility.
Not Applicable. The proposed solution comprises distributed utility pole-mount single panel PV units. The performance data for each PV panel, inverter will be available. The temperature on the inverter will be also reported. The nature of the widely distributed system greatly diminishes the relevancy of the weather station data for each pole. However we can/will supply a centrally located weather station for each city if required
2 All data acquired by the Data Acquisition System and any reports/publications etc. using this data shall be and remain the property of National Grid, and will be provided to National Grid at no additional cost.
Will comply.
3 Any monthly fee associated with leasing a communication carrier/line and provided by a public utility such as Verizon or Comcast shall be paid by National Grid after final acceptance. Bidder is responsible for coordinating with the communication carrier to install/commission the line and any associated costs/fees to install the line.
Will comply.
4 The following items shall be averaged every 10 minutes, and the average, maximum and minimum values are stored and sent to the DAS via a hard wired connection. The instantaneous values shall also be stored and sent to the DAS. 1) Ambient temperature 2) Module temperature 3) Solar irradiance in the horizontal plane 4) Solar irradiance in the plane of the module 5) All inverter data
Items 1-4 are not applicable. Item 5, inverter data, will comply.
5 Communication Signals and Specifications (Outgoing). From DAS to SmartGrid: In the future, the performance of the solar generation plant will be communicated to a SmartGrid facility – it is believed that this will be ModBUS. For monitoring purposes, all signals will be sent to National Grid offices. All transducers/sensors and any calculated values listed above will be remotely monitored. Any control (e.g. start/stop) will be routed via the National Grid SmartGrid facility when it becomes available.
Will comply, apart from weather monitoring, and pending final specification and timeline. The Petra Systems inverter is capable of communicating through DNP3, IEC 61850m and Modbus
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
6 Instantaneous data (including weather station data) received by the DAS for transmission to National Grid/O&M provider shall be made available without delay. In the event of a communications failure between the DAS and either of these two recipients, the data shall be stored for a minimum of 30 days in the DAS. When communication resumes, this data shall be sent to the recipients again. In the event that storage is exhausted before communication resumes, new data shall overwrite the oldest data on a daily basis.
Will comply in capability. Data is aggregated at the SunWave Communicator and is uploaded to the datacenter only periodically to minimize communications expense.
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Appendix L – Spare Equipment Compliance Table 12 lists the Spare Equipment Requirements from Section 9.12 of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP.
Each requirement is addressed with expected level of compliance and additional information as
relevant, including added value beyond the requirement which may be provided.
Table 12. Spare Equipment Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 The contractor shall provide five (5) spare solar modules for each site, including delivery, unloading and movement to a place of storage (which may not be at the solar generation site).
MCC acknowledges need for spares. Will comply with an equal or better alternative to be negotiated due to the integral nature of the pole-mount solution.
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Appendix M – Advanced Solar PV Array Compliance Table 13 lists the Requirements from Attachment 8, National Grid Advanced Solar PV Array Technical
Requirements, of the Solar Phase II Initiative RFP. Each requirement is addressed with expected level of
compliance and additional information as relevant, including added value beyond the requirement
which may be provided.
Table 13. Advanced Solar PV Compliance
Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
1 Conformance to these requirements will require the PVF to automatically respond to changes (grid instabilities/faults) at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) and/or to respond to Grid Operator requested changes to the operational state of the PVF features (PVF = Photovoltaic Facilities)
Will comply.
2 The Inverters provided must carry a UL 1741 certification from a qualified testing agency such as UL, ETL CSA, or other NRTL.
Will comply.
3 The PVF should be designed to operate within a power factor range from 0.80 lagging to 0.80 leading at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). To meet this required power factor range, the PVF may reduce the facility KW generation to maintain its KVA rating.
Will comply.
4 The PVF should be capable of 60% KVAR of the nameplate KVA to be injected at the PCC during operation. To meet this KVAR requirement the PVF may reduce the facility KW generation to maintain its KVA rating.
Will comply.
5 The PVF should be capable of steady state operation, with no derating, between 57.0 and 61.5 Hz.
Will comply.
6 The PVF must be able to ride through frequency events as long as 1 second at +/- 10hz and 100 seconds at +/- 5Hz.
Will comply.
7 The PVF has a ride through profile compliant with Attachment 8, Table 2-1.
Will comply.
8 The PVF should be capable of steady state operation, between +/- 10% nominal PCC voltage.
Will comply.
9 The PVF must be able to ride through the Voltage disturbance profile given in Attachment 8, Table 2-2, by design. The actual set points for voltage faults will be modified by the utility (according to appropriate registers that follow below) for operation, but the hardware must be capable of these more stringent requirements. This voltage is both for symmetric and asymmetric single phase faults down to 0.0 Volts (measured at the Point of Common Coupling) for up to 150 ms. Note that there are different operating characteristics for Type 3 (symmetric) and Type 1 - 2 (asymmetric) faults.
Will comply.
10 National Grid requires that the PVF will have provisions for both local and remote interfaces for modification of the operating data.
Access can be made locally via secure Internet connection on a mobile device to the access point. As utility-pole mounted AC module solar units, not interface exists on the inverter.
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
11 National Grid requires both autonomous/dynamic control (predefined behaviors established by the regulatory or utility requirements) and interactive/immediate control (specific actions selected by the user/operator) capabilities for managing inverters.
Will comply.
12 Security: The PVF should include provisions to maintain authority for making system changes. This should include validation checking of authorized users, control hierarchy, user authority to switch modes, etc.
Will comply.
13 The site must keep at least 1 month of 1 minute data resolution of all critical operating parameters. This includes, but is not limited to AC (KW, KVAR, KVA, PF, V, A), DC (V, A), Inverter Temps, etc.
Will comply.
14 Access to the local interface port shall be password protected at a minimum.
All access is password protected to the local access point. See item 10.
15 The remote interface must also allow National Grid to download 1 minute data resolution for the operating life of the PVF.
Will comply.
16 Describe which communication protocols are available for each port including the logical (e.g. Serial, Ethernet, etc.) and physical (e.g. DB-9, RJ-45, optical, etc.) interfaces that are supported capabilities.
Will comply. Wireless Internet interface to the ZigBee network.
17 Cyber security capabilities including password protection (if proposed) will need to be described in the proposals. Describe all layers of security measures proposed.
Will Comply. Refer to Appendix P.
18 Describe the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) used to make configuration changes (browser based, client application, or other). In the response describe how the configurable parameters will be changed; via a downloadable file, use of a command line, or other means.
The HMI is a secure web-based graphical user interface (GUI) accessible via browser. See details on IntelliView in Section 4.2.2.7.
19 The PVF should alert National Grid of any failures. Will Comply. IntelliView generates alerts based on selected thresholds.
20 The PVF should be able to detect if it has not received communications from the National Grid control system. If no communications has been identified for 10 minutes, the PVF should default to operate in KW production mode only, with no frequency or voltage dependent control modes enabled and no power curtailment enforced. The system should also default to the standard IEEE 1547 defined trip points. Once communications is re-established, it should stay in the defaulted mode until commanded otherwise, and alert National Grid that communications has been restored.
Will comply.
21 Ramp Rate Limits per section 4.1. TBD
22 Real Power Curtailment per section 4.2. TBD
23 Reactive Power Modes per section 4.3. TBD
24 Power Factor Control Mode per section 4.3.1. TBD
25 Reactive Power Control Mode per section 4.3.2. TBD
26 Power Factor Compensation Mode per section 4.3.3. TBD
27 Voltage Compensation Mode per section 4.3.4. TBD
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Item Requirement Compliance/Comment
28 Voltage Regulation Mode per section 4.3.5. TBD
29 Frequency Droop Response per section 4.4. TBD
30 Frequency Fault Control per section 4.5. TBD
31 Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) & Over Voltage Ride Through (OVRT) per section 4.6.
TBD
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Appendix N – Preliminary Design Package Table 14 notes any design package materials called out in Attachment 7 that are provided with this
proposal. The status column also notes which design package elements are not applicable to a pole-
mount solar project. Design package contents included with the proposal are to be considered
“Advance” and for reference only. Applicable information not provided with the proposal, and any
updates shall be provided when the final design package is due.
Table 14. Preliminary Design Package Contents
Figure Title Provided Status
G-1 General Notes & Symbols Will Provide
C-1 Existing Site Conditions Will Provide
C-2 Overall Site Plan Will Provide
C-3 Storm Water & Erosion Control Not Applicable
C-4 Clearing, Grubbing, & Trimming Plan Will Provide
C-5 Shadow Plan Will Provide
C-6 Fencing Plan Not Applicable
C-7 Foundation Plan Not Applicable
C-8 Details Will Provide
M-1 Racking Site Plan Not Applicable
M-2 Component Layout Not Applicable
M-3 Component Plan Details Not Applicable
M-4 Component Elevation Details Not Applicable
M-5 Assembly Details Will Provide
E-1 Overall Single-Line Will Provide
E-2 Inverter Data Acquisition & Smartgrid Control Communications Single-Line
Will Provide
E-3 Protection Logic Diagram Will Provide
E-4 Power Three-Line Will Provide
E-5 Communications Three-line Will Provide
E-6 Electrical Equipment Plan Will Provide
E-7 String Plan Not Applicable
E-8 Conduit Plan Not Applicable
E-9 General Details Will Provide
E-10 Grounding & Bonding Details Will Provide
E-11 Electrical Service Details Will Provide
E-12 Electrical Notes & Plaques Will Provide
S-1 PV Modules X Will Provide
S-2 Combiner / Re-Combiner Boxes Will Provide
S-3 Disconnects Will Provide
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Figure Title Provided Status
S-4 Inverters X Will Provide
S-5 Data Acquisition & Control Equipment X Will Provide
S-6 Communication Equipment X Will Provide
S-7 Switchboards / Mini-Power Centers Not Applicable
S-8 Step-up Transformers Not Applicable
S-9 Service Entrance Equipment Not Applicable
S-10 Interconnection Equipment Not Applicable
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Appendix O – Technology Differentiation This section discusses the technology and many benefits of a pole-mount AC module solar solution
versus a traditional rooftop or ground mount solar array. Also described are other inherent advantages
such as no scheduled maintenance, benefits of a distributed deployment, and advanced inverter
benefits. This Technology can be rapidly deployed and installed. It utilizes existing National Grid
Infrastructure.
O.1 Solar Solution Differentiation Summary Table 15 shows a summary comparison of the key features and benefits of the Petra Systems SunWave
AC module solutions versus traditional DC string arrays. Petra Systems SunWave AC Modules are the
safest, highest performing option for distributed deployments and small to medium (e.g. < 10 MW)
arrays, and are the only solution type offering immediate energy generation, simplified alignment and
repurposable deployment. It is for these very reasons that Petra Systems champions utility-grade AC
solar modules and is the industry leader in utility-owned solar AC module deployments.
Table 15. Petra Systems SunWave AC Module – DC String Array Comparison
Feature Proposed AC Module Solar Array
Traditional DC String Array
Safety Inherently Safe Multiple Hazards
High Voltage DC Not applicable, no high voltage DC Yes, up to 900V DC
Automatic Shut-off Yes, per panel Yes at grid, but panels may remain energized
Deployment Highly Fast and Flexible Requires extensive planning and long build-out cycle
Adaptability Scalable, upgradable, repurposable
Site specific design
Lead Time Immediate and ad hoc Permits, site work, system design
Performance Maximum per-panel performance in all conditions
Entire string subject to performance of worst panel
Reliability Potential failure limited to individual module
A single component failure may bring down all or part of system
Diagnostics Monitoring, reporting and control at individual panels
Not at panel level, any solution must be specifically designed
O.2 Traditional DC String Array Solar Systems The traditional DC string array architecture combines solar panels in a DC series configuration, much like
batteries are “stacked” in a common flashlight. The series configuration creates an aggregate DC voltage
from all of the connected panels, often 600 – 900V DC, which is then fed to an inverter which in turn
generates an AC voltage from the entire “string” of solar panels. A diagram of a traditional DC string
solar array is shown in Figure 13.
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Successful string inverter installations require careful system design. Miscalculation of worst case
maximum open-circuit voltage of a solar PV panel string is a common cause of inverter failure.
Additionally, panels within a string need to be very closely matched, requiring the same manufacturer,
age, condition, and panel orientation to avoid a significant reduction in the power output of the whole
string. Similarly, special attention is needed to ensure that a string does not become partially shaded, for
example, by a building, a tree, or nearby objects, or the entire array will suffer from reduced output.
One more significant consideration of this type of solution is that, because traditional DC string array
solar solutions are inherently arrays of multiple panels, it is extremely likely that deployment site
planning is required, which may include the requirement for obtaining permits and development of grid
connection resources, and very limited redeployment capability for the resources.
Figure 13. Traditional DC String Array Solar Architecture
O.3 Modular AC Grid-tie Solar Solutions The proposed modular AC grid-tie solar solutions are a recent advancement based in the innovation and
economy of high-performance panel-level inverters basic module of a solution comprises a single solar
panel with an integral panel-level inverter, producing an AC output directly at the panel. Additional
electronics may be included in the module to perform other functions, such as smart grid diagnostics
and control. AC module outputs are then connected to the utility grid in parallel, as shown in Figure 14.
Because no series or parallel DC connections are made outside of the panel module, all DC wiring
remains at the relatively low voltage level of a single panel (typically less than 50V DC).
Since AC solar modules are connected in parallel and do not need specialized electrical design, they can
be deployed one at a time providing a pay-as-you-go option. As few as one module may be installed at a
time, and the array later expanded or repurposed to another site, without large redesign or cost
penalties. This modularity also enables installation of an array of modules without needing to align them
all at the same elevation angle or azimuth. The result is the ability to fully populate all potential areas
with solar generation without the cost of adding a central inverter for each configuration.
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