Energy Storage, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  November 14, 2018

UC Santa Cruz plans solar + storage system

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) will develop a 2 MW solar parking canopy structure plus energy storage system via a 20-year PPA with ForeFront Power. The agreement allows for no upfront cost for the University through a streamlined procurement process via School Project for Utility Rate Reduction (SPURR). The University will benefit from $6 million in electricity savings during the project term.

The University will benefit from $6 million in electricity savings during the project term, according to a statement. “We considered a number of options and the partnership for this project was determined to be the most expedient and the best and the cleanest solution,” said Traci Ferdolage, Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSC. “ForeFront Power and SPURR have been very responsive and supportive of the University’s renewable goals.”

The solar parking canopy project will contribute to the University’s Campus Sustainability Plan, which includes the goal of installing 4 MW of solar photovoltaic technology on the main campus. Moreover, this project is part of the campus' strategy to meet the UC's Carbon Neutrality Initiative, and partnerships like this project will be a key component to meet this 2025 goal.

The project will include 1.2 MW of energy storage to reduce peak demand and shift load to times of day when electricity is cheaper. The intelligent use of energy from the storage units combined with on-site solar energy generation helps maximize clean energy generation and enhance on-site sustainability.

The University will also receive free post-secondary level lesson plans from Schools Power, a leading national education organization that provides schools and colleges with standards-based renewable energy curriculum packages.

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