The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU) is now rolling out what is described as Delaware’s first solar backup power pilot program.
The program will determine the value created by coupling solar cells with energy storage technology for four Delaware-based program participants.
The participants, chosen from a larger pool of applicants, are First Baptist Church, New Castle; Selbyville Fire Department, Selbyville; Indian River Fire Department, Millsboro; and Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Co., Newark. Gabel Associates serves as DESEU’s energy consultant for the design and implementation of what is known as the solar resiliency pilot program.
Each participant will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EZnergy and its financing partner, Edison Power Corporation, for 15 years. The participants agree to purchase all of the electricity generated by the solar assets located on their property. This electricity is priced at a discount to electricity from the utility, thereby lowering electric bills.
The participants save money and have the benefit of battery back-up, charged by the solar array, which provides electricity to specified circuits in their buildings in the event of a blackout. DESEU provides financial support for the project by purchasing all of the Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) from the project for fifteen years and
providing low-cost capital.
“We’re excited to see these first projects complete and demonstrate something unique for the Delaware solar market,” noted Tony DePrima, executive director of DESEU. “The project will also provide real value for the participants – savings that go right to their bottom line, predictability on their electricity costs, and backup capability that is not dependent on keeping fuel on the site, as is the case for traditional backup generators.”
Backup emergency power is now viewed as a major selling point for solar power. Electric automaker Tesla and Solar City, both companies founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk, are offering backup power systems for those using solar.
The back-up feature, as DePrima noted, could reduce the dependence on portable generators that can be noisy and require on-site fuel storage.
In a much larger project, the City of Lewes is partnering with a company on a large battery backup system. The coastal community is at the “end of the extension cord” along the grid and sees a sizable percentage of electricity generated by the University of Delaware’s wind generator and residential solar.
