HomeMy WebLinkAboutEdina Renewable Potentials Baseline Study City of Edina
Solar Renewable Energy Potentials Study
March, 2021
Revised April 30, 2021
Prepared by:
Table of Contents
Section 01 Introduction
Section 02 Solar In Minnesota
Section 03 Solar In Edina
Section 04 City Wide Solar Potentials
Technical Capacity in Edina
Generation Capacity in Edina
Optimized Generation Capacity
Market Capacity
Section 05 Low to Medium Income Potentials
Section 06 City Wide Solar Benefits
Economic Potential for Edina
Environmental Benefits for Edina
Section 07 City Wide Municipal Solid Waste Plasma Gasification
Potential
Section 08 Recommendations
Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study 1-1
S e c t i o n 01
Introduction
Introduction
Intent of This Study
The intent of this study is to support the City in appropriate and effective renewable energy goalsetting within the City’s
Climate Action Planning process. This study seeks also to support the City establish strategies addressing renewable ener-
gy development. The primary focus of this study is to establish the Community-Wide rooftop solar pv potential through-
out the City, including economic and environmental benefits. This report includes recommended near and long-term re-
newable energy targets and recommended implementation strategies for consideration through the Climate Action Plan-
ning process. As detailed in the report, this effort has included:
1) Collect City-wide satellite data (NREL, NOAA, and NASA data).
2) Determine building roof stock characteristics and solar suitable buildings, calculate total suitable areas by roof
configuration/orientation.
3) Calculate total rooftop solar capacity and annual energy generation by roof configuration/orientation
4) Identify cost efficient annual energy generation potential.
5) Research solar market at national, State and regional levels. Identify low, medium, and high solar market
absorption rates and City-wide solar pv goals.
6) Identify environmental and economic benefit of solar including economic development and job creation
potential (NREL JEDI model)
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Introduction
The following are considerations building owners
should be aware of before “going solar”.
How Solar PV Works
Solar electricity is created using Solar Photovolta-
ic panels, or Solar PV for short. The word photo-
voltaic, or PV, comes from the process of con-
verting light (photons) to electricity (voltage),
which is called the PV effect. The key to a solar PV
panel is the semiconductor material.
Solar PV semiconductors combine properties of
some metals and properties of insulators - mak-
ing them uniquely capable of converting light into
electricity. The simple explanation of how solar
panels create electricity is that as sunlight
(specifically UV light) strikes the semiconductor
materials in the PV cell, the energy knocks loose
electrons. Those electrons then move back and
forth between semiconductor plates producing
an electric current.
Structural Capacity for Rooftop Arrays
The assessments included in this report do not
include assessments of rooftops tructures to ac-
cept the additional loading of a solar pv array.
Projects which anticipate rooftop arrays should
have a preliminary structural assessment to con-
firm solar pv loading can be adequately handled
by the existing structure. The weight of a PV sys-
tem varies based on the panel and racking sys-
tems selected. For rooftop arrays, two racking
system configurations are common: flush or tilted
mechanically fastened racking types (which re-
quire roof penetrations, or clamp on standing
seams); and ballasted racking types (which use
weighted components to make the array station-
ary through gravity and typically do not require
roof penetrations). A reasonable “rule of thumb”
for solar PV array assembly structural loading is 2
-4lbs per square foot for typical flush or tilted
racking systems, or 5-9lbs for ballasted racking
systems.
Introduction
Net Metering
The site concepts in this report are based on grid-connected systems with net metering. Net metering tracks the amount
of energy generated on site, as well as the amount of energy consumed from the grid. Net metering allows customers to
get credit on their energy bill from excess energy generation, when the amount of energy a solar panel system generates
is greater than the amount of energy consumed from the electric utility. Such interconnection is considered non-
incentivized, meaning that the site/solar array owner will retain the renewable energy credit that the PV system produces
and will offset the cost of energy needed when the solar panels are not producing energy (nighttime, short and cloudy
days).
Net Metering in Edina
According to the State of Minnesota Public Utilities Commission:
Generally, if a customer produces more electricity than it uses, a utility will compensate or credit the customer for their
excess generation depending on the option the customer elects to receive in the contract they signed with the utility.
Utilities keep the rates updated in a rate book.
The amount a customer is paid for the electricity they do not use is found in their utility’s tariff (often called the compen-
sation rate). The compensation rate depends on several factors:
The size of the customer’s system; The specific costs and retail rates of their utility (updated annually); and, Whether the
customer is served by a cooperative, municipal, or public utility.
Learn more about Net Metering in the State of Minnesota here: https://mn.gov/puc/energy/distributed-energy/net-
metering/
Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study 1-4
Graphic Source: State of Minnesota Public Utility Commission
Introduction
Minnesota's Group Net Metering
Minnesota also offers “Virtual Net Metering” or “Community Solar Net Metering”. Under Virtual Net Metering, a group of
home or business owners can join together and benefit from one or more net metered solar systems. Under this pro-
gram, a group can pay for a large solar installation (1,000kW maximum array size) on the land of one person/entity with
sufficient open space, and ask the utility company to assign the credits earned by that system to each of the participants
based on a percentage they elect (minimum of 5 subscribers).
How Does Community Solar / Group Net Metering Work
Renewable Energy Credits
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities that represent proof that a quantity of
electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource. RECs represent all of the “green” or clean energy
attributes of electricity produced from renewable resources like solar PV. A REC includes everything that differentiates the
effects of generating electricity with renewable resources instead of using other types of resources. It is important to re-
member that a REC also embodies the claim to the greenness attributes of renewable electricity generation, and only the
ultimate consumer of the REC has rights to the claim. Once a producer or owner of a REC has sold it, rather than consum-
ing it themselves, they have sold the claim and cannot truthfully state that they are using renewable electricity, or that the
electricity that was produced with the REC is renewable.
Many building owners interested in pursuing the installation of a solar pv system on their property are motivated from an
interest in using (and claiming) renewable energy for operations. Very careful understanding of a project’s Renewable
Energy Credits and the status of their ownership is critical. Failure to carefully define ownership of REC may cause the
inability of a building owner to claim the renewable benefits they wish to obtain. Building owners should assume that
RECs will not be available for any projects which are delivered through a “third party” project delivery method, community
solar subscription, or any project which utilizes a utility subsidized approach. It may be possible for building owners to
retain REC credits, however, and paleBLUEdot recommends that any building owner looking into “third party” solar arrays
explore the retention of all REC credits produced by the recommended projects if financially feasible.
From a Greenhouse Gas accounting perspective, this means that facilities served through community solar subscriptions
or third party ownership structures will not be able to account for emissions reductions due to renewable energy use un-
less REC credits are purchased. In this situation, without the purchase of REC credits, the City’s GHG Inventory will need to
use the regional electric grid emissions factors for calculation of emissions.
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Introduction
Peak Shaving and Demand Charges
Customers pay for electricity in one of two ways: consumption, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh); and demand, meas-
ured in kilowatts (kW). Most residential customers only pay for consumption. Many commercial customers are on demand
charge tariffs and they pay for both demand and consumption. With demand charge billing the customer pays for the
highest power load reached – the peak demand. Peak demand is defined as the highest average load during a specific time
interval (usually 15 minutes) in each billing cycle. Utilities use demand charges to help recover costs associated with run-
ning power plants or buying power from other utilities on the energy spot market. Demand charges also help utilities re-
cover transmission costs to customers with large energy needs.
Not all utility customers are on demand charge tariffs, but for large consumers of electricity those charges can be a signifi-
cant part of a monthly utility bill. Utility customers who do have demand charge tariffs can see a large portion of their
monthly electric bill going towards demand charges (30% to 70% is not uncommon).
The most effective way to manage utility costs for customers with demand charges is a practice called peak shaving. Peak
shaving involves proactively managing overall demand to eliminate short-term demand spikes, which set a higher peak.
This process lowers and smooths out the electric use “curve” and reduces peak loads, which reduces the overall cost of
demand charges. Solar arrays with a battery energy storage system allows customers to peak shave. Battery energy stor-
age systems are dispatchable; they can be configured to strategically charge and discharge at the optimal times to reduce
demand charges. Sophisticated control software with learning algorithms differentiates battery energy storage systems
from regular batteries. These algorithms learn a customer’s load profile, anticipate peak demand, and switch from the grid
to batteries when needed most - reducing the customer’s peak load and saving on demand charge costs.
Peak Shaving and Local Utilities
Many local electric utilities and electric co-ops do not generate their own power. Instead, these utilities often purchase
power from large electric generators and then distribute that electricity to their consumers. In this situation, local elec-
tric utilities typically have long-term electric purchase agreements with their electricity suppliers. In some instances, the
pricing defined in the local utility’s power purchase agreement imposes increased rates for peak demand timeframes, like
the peak demand rates end customers may experience. For local electric utilities which have peak power purchase rates
defined, the deployment of solar arrays and solar storage systems within their local electric service area reduce the local
electric grid’s peak demand and avoid costs associated with peak demand power purchase.
Project Delivery Options
There are many options for pursuing solar projects on your business or residential property including:
Purchasing a System:
Paying for your system yourself is the simplest path for owning your solar system, but the initial cost of a solar panel sys-
tem can be the biggest hurdle. Through a direct purchase, or “cash option”, you purchase the solar system just as you
would a car or house.
Solar Lease:
A Solar Lease is one of the options for “third party ownership” where the system is owned by the leasing company and
typically installed with no “up front” costs. In a solar lease the customer typically pays a set monthly rate for your solar
panel system, but receive free electricity from the panels that offsets the monthly cost of the lease. Solar leases are allow-
able in many States, however, not all jurisdictions allow solar leases. The State of Minnesota does allow for Solar Leases.
Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA):
A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a developer arranges for the design, permitting,
financing, and installation of a solar array on a customer’s property. The developer sells the power generated to the host
customer – typically at a fixed rate that is lower than the local utility’s retail rate. Payments within a PPA agreement are
based on the actual energy produced by the solar array every month. This lower electricity price serves to offset the cus-
tomer’s purchase of electricity from the grid. The developer receives the income from the sales of the electricity as well as
any tax credits and other incentives generated from the system. Customer’s entering into a PPA who wish to claim the
“green attributes” of the solar energy will need to negotiate with the solar developer to retain the solar Renewable Energy
Credits.
Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study 1-6
Introduction
Solar Financing and Incentives
Solar energy delivers positive environmental impacts, and contributes to our nation’s energy independence. According to
the Department of Energy, solar provides more jobs in electricity generation nationally (373,800) than coal, natural gas,
oil, nuclear, and other fuels combined (288,000). To encourage the continued expansion of solar, governments, and utili-
ties offer solar tax breaks and financial incentives to make solar more accessible for today’s businesses and homeowners.
The following are some of the incentives available in Minnesota:
Minnesota Municipal Property Tax Exemptions
A system up to 50 kW that is net-metered OR is not connected to the grid and only provides power to the property on
which it is located is also exempt from municipal property taxes. A system up to 50 kW that is not net-metered and is con-
nected to the grid OR is not connected to the grid but provides power to multiple properties is subject to municipal prop-
erty taxes, unless the municipality has created a local exemption. Systems 50 kW and greater that are net-metered may
reduce their capacity by 50 kW for valuation purposes if they are subject to municipal property taxes.
Minnesota Solar Sales Tax Exemptions
When you install solar panels on your home or business in Minnesota, you don’t have to pay any sales tax on your solar
purchase. This translates into a 7% savings on every solar PV installation in the State.
Federal Investment Tax Credit
The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of
installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. The ITC applies to both residential and commercial systems, and
there is no cap on its value. The ITC credit is currently equal to 26% of the project costs in 2021 and will be stepping down
to 10% by year 2024 and beyond (for commercial only - residential will be eliminated in 2024). (https://
www.energysage.com/solar/cost-benefit/solar-investment-tax-credit/)
Federal Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)
The U.S. tax code allows for a tax deduction for the recovery of the cost of tangible property over the useful life of the
property. The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is the current depreciation method for most property.
The market certainty provided by MACRS allows businesses in a variety of economic sectors to continue making long-term
investments and has been found to be a significant driver of private investment for the solar industry and other energy
industries. Businesses can write off the value of their solar energy system through using MACRS, reducing their tax bur-
den and accelerating returns on solar investments. Accelerated depreciation can reduce net system cost by an additional
30 percent. (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/a-brief-overview-of-depreciation)
Xcel Energy Program
Powered by the Minnesota Renewable Development Fund, this performance-based incentive offers solar homeowners in
Xcel Energy’s service area a yearly payment based on the energy production of their photovoltaic system. Xcel pays
homeowners $0.07 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power production annually for up to 10 years.
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S e c t i o n 02
Solar in Minnesota
Solar in Minnesota
As of December 2019, Minnesota has a total of 1,507.93 megawatts (1,507,930,000 watts) of solar capacity installed
statewide. There are a total of 7,544 solar installations in the State. The State of Minnesota ranks 14th nationally for total
solar energy production capacity.
The State’s solar installation total is enough to power 203,522 homes. The share of the State’s total electricity use that
comes from solar power is 3%. Current solar growth projections for the State equal an additional 1,133 MW over the next
5 years - a growth rate that ranks 27th nationally.
Costs for Solar PV installation in the State have declined 45% since 2015. Price declines have been accompanied with in-
creasing rate of investment in solar energy. A total of $2,221,000,000 has been invested in Solar PV installations. The
industry currently employs approximately 4,335 people in 146 companies Statewide (31 Manufacturers, 49 Installers/
Developers, 66 Others).
(sources: Solar Energy Industries Association SEIA, Solar Foundation, Project Sunroof)
Graphic Sources:
Project Sunroof, Solar Foundation
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S e c t i o n 03
Solar in Edina
Solar in Edina
As of January 2021, according to permit records, Edina has 61 installed solar PV arrays with a total of 1,491 KW (1,491,000
watts) of generating capacity. This is equal to 0.1% of the total solar generating capacity in the State, compared to the
City’s 0.92% share of State population. According to the Stanford University DeepSolar analysis project, Hennepin County
has an average of 1.82 solar PV installations per 1,000 homes. This is approximately 135% of the State average. Within
the City of Edina neighborhoods range from 0 to 7.9 solar PV installations per 1,000 homes. (see “City of Edina Solar In-
stallations Per 1,000 Homes” and “City of Edina’s Solar Share” chart).
The total solar installation capacity in the City of Edina is estimated to generate 1,356,000 kWh annually - enough to pow-
er 138 homes. The estimated breakdown of total installed capacity in the City by market sector is shown on the next page
(see “Estimated Breakdown of Edina’s Solar Installations by Sector”).
As noted in Section 2, costs for Solar PV installation in the State have declined significantly since 2015. The City of Edina
currently has an estimated total of 3 solar companies including 2 installers and 1 manufacturer, or approximately 2% of
the State’s total solar business entities (approximately 2.2 times the community’s share of State population).
3-2 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Tract 231 4.65/
1,000
Tract 236 1.5/
1,000
Tract 240.06
0.0/
1,000
Tract 238.01
0.0/
1,000
Tract 240.05
3.28/
1,000
Tract 238.02
5.43/
1,000
Tract 240.03 2.38/
1,000
Tract
240.04
0.78/
1,000
Tract 239.01
1.61/
1,000
Tract 237
4.38/
1,000
Tract 239.03
7.29/
1,000
Tract 235.02 1.31/
1,000
Tract 239.02
1.44/
1,000
Tract 235.01 1.15/
1,000
City of Edina Solar Installations Per 1,000 Homes
Graphic Source: DeepSolar
Solar in Edina
City of Edina’s Solar Share
Estimated Breakdown of Edina’s Solar Installations by Sector
Estimated Solar PV Installation Cost by Component in Edina
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Graphic Source: SolarReviews.com
State Edina Edina's Share
Population 5,640,000 51,746 0.92%
Number of Solar Installations 7,544 91 1.21%
Average Solar Installations / 1,000 households 1.35 4.17 308.98%
Estimated Solar Generating Capacity (MW) 1,507.93 1.74 0.12%
Average Array Size (KW) 199.88 19.09 10%
Solar Industry Businesses 146 3 2.05%
Sector Installed Capacity Number of Array
Installations
Average
Array Size
(kW)
Estimated
Share of
Sector's
Electricity
Use
375.0 77 4.9 0.25%
0.0 0 N/A
676.8 2 338.4 4.92%
685.0 12 57.1 0.86%
0.0 0 N/A 0.00%
Total Installed Capaicty 1,737 91 19.1 0.42%
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S e c t i o n 04
City Wide
Solar Potential
City Wide Solar Potentials
Methodology and Data
This section calculates the total technical capacity and total generation potential for rooftop solar in the City. Total solar
PV potential was calculated based on the following input, data, and methodology:
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Input Data
Roof plane survey data is provided by
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL). NREL data is based on lidar
data obtained from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Homeland Security (DHS).
Insolation levels for annual sun expo-
sure are based on data from NOAA and
NREL.
Tilt and Azimuth
The orientation (tilt and azimuth) of a
roof plane is important for determining
its suitability for PV and simulating the
productivity of installed modules. For
this study roof plane tilt for each
square meter of roof area within zip
codes 55424, 55435, 55436, and 55439
were determined using the lidar data
set. Roof tilts are organized into 5 cate-
gories:
Flat (0° - 9.5°)
Low (9.5°- 21.5°)
Mid-Low (21.5° – 34.5°)
Mid-High (34.5° – 47.5°)
High (47.5° and higher)
For this study, the second component
of roof plane orientation -the azimuth
(aspect) – was identified for each
square meter of roof area. Each square
meter was categorized into one of nine
azimuth classes, shown in the graphic
to the right, where tilted roof areas
were assigned one of the eight cardinal
and primary intercardinal directions.
All roof planes with Northwest, North,
and Northeast azimuths were excluded
from this study.
Generation Potential
The potential “Nameplate capacity”
potential per square foot of roof plane
area was calculated. This calculation
assumed a typical 400 watt capacity
panel with a footprint of 79” x 40”.
Next, this nameplate capacity was ad-
justed for assumed system losses in-
cluding shading, heat loss, mismatch,
snow, dirt, etc. Assumed losses were
calculated for each azimuth orientation
and rage from 22% system loss for flat
arrays to 34% for East/Southeast orien-
tations. Additionally, losses were calcu-
lated for roof tilt classifications based
on the System Advisor Model.
Lastly, generation potential was calcu-
lated using the base Energy Production
Factor for the region (annual KWH pro-
duction/KW nameplate capacity), modi-
fied by the loss factors outlined above.
Energy Production Factor Map
Source: NREL
KWH / KW
City Wide Solar Potentials
Technical Capacity In Edina
Technical capacity represents the total rooftop solar pv potential assuming economics and grid integration are not con-
straints. Based on the input and methodology previously outlined, there are an estimated 16,962 total buildings in Edina,
of those, it is estimated that 11,826 are “solar suitable” buildings.
These solar suitable buildings have an estimated 8,488 roof planes which are either flat or with an azimuth orientation of
East, Southeast, South, Southwest, or West, with a total estimated square footage of 4.44 million square feet. The chart
below shows a further breakdown of roof orientation by roof tilt classifications as well. The potential installed technical
energy capacity for all rooftops meeting selection criteria totals 83.06 Megawatts DC.
Generation Capacity In Edina
Generation capacity represents the total amount of energy generation potential of the total Technical Capacity of the City.
As previously outlined, the generation capacity is calculated using City-specific annual energy production factor (annual
KWH production/KW nameplate capacity) which is based on the region’s weather patterns and annual insolation levels
(exposure to sun’s energy). This energy production factor is then modified by estimated system losses by azimuth and
estimated system losses by roof tilt.
The chart below illustrates the total generation potential by roof azimuth and by roof tilt classifications. The Grand Total
rooftop solar PV energy generation potential for the City is 89,295,358 KWH annually. This is estimated to be approxi-
mately 16.7% of the City’s total electric consumption (based on US Energy Information Agency data).
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City Wide Solar Potentials
Optimized Generation Capacity In Edina
Though the total energy generation outlined above is reasonably feasible, for purposes of establishing City Wide poten-
tials expectations it is appropriate to modify the total generation to reflect the likely most cost efficient installation poten-
tials given current technologies and cost parameters. Solar PV installations which have less than ideal orientations cap-
ture less light per panel and therefore generate less energy per dollar spent. Establishing an Optimized Capacity establish-
es the cost effective solar pv installation potential based on current technology.
Identifying the installations most likely to be highly cost effective ultimately requires a site-by-site assessment, however,
typical installation performance characteristics can be extrapolated to establish reasonable City-wide estimates. For the
latitude and geography of Edina, it can be assumed that all solar suitable roof planes that are flat or south facing should
ultimately be reasonably cost effective installations.
For West and Southwest facing roof planes, it is likely that all low and mid-low roof tilt installations would be cost effec-
tive, while mid-high and high roof tilt installations with West or Southwest orientation may produce self-shading for many
of the solar productive hours making those installations viable on a case-by-case basis. Like wise, for East and Southeast
facing roof planes, it is likely that all low roof tilt installations would be cost effective, while mid-low, mid-high, and high
roof tilt installations facing East may tend to have limited timeframes during which their solar exposure is optimal, making
those installations also viable on a case-by-case basis.
On the chart below, all solar suitable roof planes with roof tilt and azimuth orientation combinations likely to be consist-
ently cost effective are shown and are considered to be the City’s Optimized Generation Capacity. It should be noted that
installations outside of these selections may still be cost effective but require individual feasibility assessment. The
total Optimized Rooftop Solar Generation Capacity in Edina is estimated to be 68,678,455 KWH annually, approximately
12.9% of the City’s total electric consumption.
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City Wide Solar Potentials
Market Capacity
Adequately anticipating the potential for new solar PV installations must consider not only the potential technical and
generation capacities, but also the likely market capacity. As an emerging energy sector, there is little data upon which to
base projections for likely installation of rooftop solar PV in the private sector. Additionally, the solar PV market is rapidly
changing in both sophistication as well as in pricing and cost effectiveness. As noted in the Solar in Minnesota section of
this report, the installed cost of solar PV in the state has dropped 45% since 2015 and is expected to continue to decline in
the coming years. Projections of solar PV installations should anticipate a continued increase in the number of solar pv
installations year over year.
Market History
According to the Department of Energy, since 2005 the residential solar PV market has grown at an annual rate of 51%. A
growth rate that has resulted in a residential solar PV capacity 95 times larger in just 12 years. In the State of Minnesota,
the new installed capacity that went on line in 2019 was nearly 250 MW; equal to 16.6% of the cumulative total of all solar
PV installations in the state for all previous years.
According to City of Edina permit records, there are a total of 1,737 KW of installed capacity in the City, approximately
0.12% of the total State installed capacity. If Utility scale and government facility arrays are subtracted, the approximate
installed capacity is 1,060 KW, or approximately 0.07% of the total State installed capacity. These can be compared
against the City’s share of the total State population of 0.92%.
State Market Projections
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) projects solar PV installation capacity in the State to increase 1,133 MW by
2025. This is equal to a sustained compound increase of installed capacity of 12% annually. The timeframe of this projec-
tion overlaps with the currently established Federal Income Tax incentive program. For years 2024 and beyond, the tax
incentive is expected to be phased out for residential solar pv installations, but a smaller incentive (10%) will remain for
commercial property owners while cost projections anticipate a continued decrease in installation costs.
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City Wide Solar Potentials
Edina Market Absorption Projections
Scenario A: Edina Rooftop Solar PV Projection Based on Existing Share of Statewide Arrays Installed per Household
Scenario A anticipates the City’s rate of increase in solar PV installed capacity matches the projected Statewide 12% annu-
al rate of increase over the next 5. This scenario would mean an increase of approximately 996 KW of installed capacity
within the City by 2025. Based on the City’s current lower-than-average share of existing installed solar pv capacity, this
would result in a continued lower-than-average per capita share of total statewide solar in 2025 (12% of average). This
scenario would result in around 2,733 KW of installed capacity by 2025, equivalent to approximately 4.35% of the opti-
mized capacity potential within the City by 2025 and 11% of optimized capacity potential by 2040.
As the market continues to mature through the 2020’s it may be reasonable to assume a reduction in the growth rate of
new installed capacity beginning in year 2031. For purposes of this study, we recommend a 50% reduction of the annual
rate of growth for 2030. This would result in a growth rate of 9.6% through 2030 and a 4.8% growth rate for years 2030
through 2040. The chart below shows projections through 2040 using the assumptions outlined above.
NOTE: This projection does not include distributed ground-mounted solar pv potentials nor utility scale solar pv installation potential.
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City Wide Solar Potentials
Scenario B: Edina Rooftop Solar PV Share of Statewide Projections Based on Population Share
Scenario B anticipates the City’s rate of increase in solar PV installed capacity achieves 3 times the projected Statewide
annual rate of increase over the next 5. This scenario would mean an increase of approximately 4,205 KW of installed
capacity within the City by 2025. This scenario would result in the City’s per capita share rate of Statewide installed pv
capacity doubling from 12% that of Statewide average per capita share to 24% that of Statewide per capita share by 2025.
This scenario would result in around 5,942 KW of installed capacity by 2025, equivalent to approximately 9.5% of the opti-
mized capacity potential within the City by 2025 and 37% of optimized capacity potential by 2040.
As the market continues to mature through the 2020’s it may be reasonable to assume a reduction in the growth rate of
new installed capacity beginning in year 2031. For purposes of this study, we recommend a 50% reduction of the annual
rate of growth for 2030. This would result in a growth rate of 14.5% through 2030 and a 7.2% growth rate for years 2030
through 2040. The chart below shows projections through 2040 using the assumptions outlined above.
NOTE: This projection does not include distributed ground-mounted solar pv potentials nor utility scale solar pv installation potential.
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Ground Mounted Solar
This report does not include an assessment of poten-
tial ground mounted solar, however, it should be not-
ed that ground mounted solar can be a highly viable
solution in many cases. In general, comparing a
rooftop solar array to a similarly sized ground mounted
solar array, ground mounted solar arrays frequently
have slightly higher installation costs due to the in-
creased racking needs. However, in many instances,
subject sites are capable of supporting a larger ground
mounted array than their rooftop potential. As ground
mounted arrays become larger, their costs decrease—
ultimately becoming less than smaller rooftop arrays.
Some of the considerations on the feasibility of ground
mounted arrays for specific sites include:
• Land status and planned future use
• Land quality and alternative use options
• Distance to electric grid interconnection
• Accessibility and security
• Slop and configuration
• Flooding and wetland considerations
• Proximity to primary air traffic lanes and air traffic
control jurisdictions relative to glare concerns
City Wide Solar Potentials
Edina Rooftop Solar PV Share of Statewide Projections Based on Current Share of Installed KW
This scenario assumes the City’s share of Statewide solar array increases will match the City’s share of total Statewide
population (0.92%). This scenario would mean an increase of approximately 13,660 KW of installed capacity within the
City by 2025, approximately 72% annual increase over that timeframe. This would result in around 15,409KW of installed
capacity, equivalent to approximately 25% of the total rooftop technical capacity potential or 99.6% of the optimized ca-
pacity potential within the City.
For this scenario, we project an 80% reduction in the annual growth rate for 2025-2030 and then another 50% reduction
for years 2030-2040. This would result in a growth rate of 14.8% through 2030 and a 7.4% growth rate for years 2030
through 2040. The chart below shows projections through 2040 using the assumptions outlined above.
NOTE: This projection does not include distributed ground-mounted solar pv potentials nor utility scale solar pv installation potential.
above.
Based on the City’s current lower-than-average per capita installed solar capacity, we recommend striving for a higher rate
of increase than that illustrated in Scenario A. On the other hand, though Scenario C may be ideal, the rate of increase
may be extremely challenging to meet. Scenario B, however, would achieve a significant increase in the City’s solar instal-
lations, achieve a notable increase in the City’s share of Statewide installations, and the required pace of 120-130 new
residential scaled installations annually should be achievable.
4-8 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
S e c t i o n 05
Low to Medium
Income Potentials
5-1 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Low to Medium Potentials
The Need to Focus on Low and Moderate Income Solar Potential
Solar PV systems provide a wide range of potential benefits, including long-term energy cost savings, energy resilience,
and reductions in air pollution including particulate matter and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – with positive implica-
tions for environmental and human health. Currently, most of the solar customers in the United States are in the same
demographic -middle to upper class, middle-aged, and usually male. “Rooftop Solar Technical Potential for Low-to-
Moderate Income Households in the United States”, a recent study by NREL, found that the median income of households
that install solar panels in some states was roughly $32,000 higher than the median household income in those states.
The growth of solar in the United States provides a tremendous opportunity to address some of the greatest challenges
faced by lower-income communities: the high cost of housing, unemployment, and pollution. Solar can provide long-term
financial relief to families struggling with high and unpredictable energy costs, living-wage jobs in an industry where the
workforce has increased 168% over the past seven years, and a source of clean, local energy sited in communities that
have been disproportionately impacted by traditional power generation. Yet, access to distributed solar power remains
elusive for a significant slice of the U.S. population, particularly low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities— house-
holds whose income is 80% or less of the area’s median.
Although solar PV costs have dropped significantly in recent years, upfront installation costs are still persistently out of
reach for most LMI populations, which, by definition, have less disposable income. Beyond having limited cash-on-hand
for solar power purchases, LMI populations face other obstacles in pursuing distributed solar systems, including:
• frequently lower credit scores, making it difficult to attain a loan for solar investments;
• insufficient tax burden to benefit from state and federal solar tax incentives; and
• lower rates of homeownership and higher likelihood of living in multifamily housing units—making for
limited control over decisions about utilities, especially rooftop solar.
The solar potential for LMI communities is a critical market that must be developed within any community seeking to sig-
nificantly advance renewable energy, energy resilience, or Climate Action goals. Increasing access for LMI communities is
important not only in order to help address some of the challenges outlined above, it is likely necessary in order to meet
long-term community-wide renewable energy goals. Nationally, half of all residential solar potential is on LMI households.
Solar capacity on LMI households could total 320 GW—over thirty times the total new solar in 2017.
Energy Burden In Edina
A household’s energy burden—the percentage of household income spent on energy bills—provides an indication of ener-
gy affordability. Researchers define households with a 6% energy burden or higher to experience a high burden. Factors
that may increase energy burdens include the physical condition of a home, a household’s ability to invest in energy-
efficient upgrades, and the availability of energy efficiency programs and incentives.
See the charts on the following page for a breakdown of households with high energy burden.
5-2 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Low to Medium Potentials
Energy Burden In Edina—Energy Burden by Housing Type and Ownership
Energy Burden In Edina—Energy Burden by Income and Housing Type
5-3 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Dotted Line = High Energy Burden Threshold
Dotted Line = High Energy Burden Threshold
Source: US DOE Low-Income Energy Affordability Data
Source: US DOE Low-Income Energy Affordability Data
Low to Medium Potentials
Energy Burden In Edina (continued)
As illustrated in the charts on the previous page, the households with the most significant housing burden over 6% in Edi-
na tend to be homeowners rather than renters. Over 29% of LMI households in the community have high energy burden,
comprising 9.1% of all households in Edina. The LMI households, by income as a percentage of Area Median Income (AMI)
and housing type, which are effected by high (over 6%) energy burden are:
Share of Total LMI Households with High Energy Burden
Housing Type By Income Level
Total in Edinawith
High Energy Burden
Share of Income
Category Total
Share of Total LMI
Households with
High Energy Burden
Income 0-30% AMI: 934 47.58%
Single Family Household detached 638 68.3% 32.50%
Single Family Household Attached 191 20.4% 9.73%
2 Unit Buildings 41 4.4% 2.09%
3-4 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
5-9 Unit Buildings 59 6.3% 3.01%
10-19 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
20-49 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
50+ Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
Mobile Home/Trailer -
Income 30-60% AMI: 1,029 52.42%
Single Family Household detached 1029 110.2% 52.42%
Single Family Household Attached - #VALUE! #VALUE!
2 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
3-4 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
5-9 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
10-19 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
20-49 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
50+ Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
Mobile Home/Trailer - #VALUE! #VALUE!
Income 60-80% AMI: 0 0.00%
Single Family Household detached - #VALUE! #VALUE!
Single Family Household Attached - #VALUE! #VALUE!
2 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
3-4 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
5-9 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
10-19 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
20-49 Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
50+ Unit Buildings - #VALUE! #VALUE!
Mobile Home/Trailer - #VALUE! #VALUE!
Total LMI Households With High Energy Burden: 1,963
Total LMI Households in Community: 6,589
% of LMI House-
holds in Community
with High Energy
Burden: 29.8%
Total Households in Community: 21,663
Total LMI House-
holds in Community: 9.1%
5-4 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Low to Medium Potentials
Solar Potential of LMI Buildings in Edina
According to the study “Rooftop Solar Technical Potential for Low-to-Moderate Income Households in the United States”
by NREL, the 6,589 LMI households live in 1,690 buildings. These LMI residential buildings are estimated to have a opti-
mized solar generation capacity of 29,175,700 kWh annually. According to NREL, the generating capacity of these LMI
buildings alone is capable of meeting 116% or more of the total Annual Solar Generation for 2040 as projected by Scenario
B (see Section 4) - meaning strategies which resulted in significant increases in solar PV options for LMI communities could
not only provide significant benefit for relief from energy burden impacts, but also meaningfully contribute to the City’s
long-term renewable energy goals. Put simply, there is more potential for solar generation on LMI rooftops than what LMI
residents would use. Below is a breakdown of optimized solar generation by building type:
Building Type Estimated Optimized Generation Potential Average LMI Household Savings
Potential
LMI Single Family: 14,386,900 kWh Annually
LMI Multi-Family: 14,788,400 kWh Annually
Mapping LMI Household Potential In Edina
The map below illustrates the total LMI households as a share of total households by census tract. Census tracts with
higher share of LMI households may offer significant opportunities for actions which advance LMI solar PV programs.
5-5 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
$x in potential annual savings
$2,858 Annually
S e c t i o n 06
City Wide
Solar Benefits
6-1 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
City Wide Solar Benefits
Economic Potential
As with all energy sources, solar PV installations require investment up-front for construction and installation as well as
annual maintenance costs. When measured on a per unit of energy consumed, these costs are similar, or more competi-
tive than, the costs associated with other energy sources. Unlike almost all other forms of electricity, however, a signifi-
cant portion of the initial and on-going costs associated with solar PV are capable of remaining in the local economy. This
means that for communities who plan carefully for the increase in renewable energy, a local economic development po-
tential exists.
Economic Potential for Edina
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the additional solar pv capacity which could be installed
in the City by 2030 (Scenario B) has a total construction value of $27.15 million (2021 dollars). The potential share of
those investments for the local economy totals 31 jobs and $2.81 million in local income potential during construction and
6 jobs and $420,000 in local income potential for maintenance annually through the lifetime of the installations. Below is
a breakout of the Edina Economic Development potential of new installed solar pv capacity through 2030 based on popu-
lation share of Statewide market absorption projection numbers:
Additional Economic Benefit
In addition to the local re-investment share of the construction and maintenance costs, Edina residents and business own-
ers who invest in solar PV will have direct economic benefit in the form of savings. These savings represent increased eco-
nomic potential within the City and include:
1) All residents and businesses who install solar PV prior to the phase out of the Federal Tax Incentive will be able to
save 10-26% of the cost of installation. In addition, all commercial solar pv owners can harvest additional tax
benefits through the federal accelerated depreciation. At the projected additional installation through 2025 out-
lined in the previous section, this could mean $1 million to $3 million or more in savings and local re-investment
potential through 2030.
2) Many owners who install solar pv see a decrease in their annual energy costs (including solar pv project finance
costs). Though savings vary, a reasonable estimate of the out-of-pocket savings for residents and businesses in
Edina is $300,000 to $400,000 annually by 2030 (assuming third party ownership structure, long-term savings for
direct ownership can be significantly higher).
6-2 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Edina Local Economic Impacts - Summary Results Based on Scenario B
Jobs Earnings Output Value Added
During construction period Million$ 2020 Million$ 2020 Million$ 2020
Project Development and Onsite Labor Impacts 11 $1.52 $2.08 $1.69
Construction and Interconnection Labor 7 $1.31
Construction Related Services 4 $0.21
Equipment and Supply Chain Impacts 11 $0.72 $2.93 $1.44
Induced Impacts 9 $0.57 $1.58 $0.86
Total Impacts 31 $2.81 $6.58 $3.99
Annual Annual Annual Annual
Jobs Earnings Output Output
During operating years (annual) Million$ 2020 Million$ 2020 Million$ 2020
Onsite Labor Impacts 4 $0.31 $0.31 $0.31
Local Revenue and Supply Chain Impacts 1 $0.05 $0.16 $0.11
Induced Impacts 1 $0.06 $0.17 $0.09
Total Impacts 6 $0.42 $0.64 $0.51
City Wide Solar Benefits
Environmental Benefits for Edina
The core environmental benefits of Solar PV electric energy generation relate to improved air quality, reduced greenhouse
gas emissions, and reduced water consumption.
6-3 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Greenhouse Gas and Electricity
Greenhouse gas emissions form, primarily, from the burning
of fossil fuels. The carbon footprint of electricity is the total
greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life-cycle from
source fuel extraction through to end user electricity. Ac-
cording to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), the median greenhouse gas emission, measured in
metric tonnes, for 1 Gwh of electricity by fuel type is as fol-
lows:
Electricity Source Metric Tonnes
GHG/GWh
Hydroelectric 4
Wind 12
Nuclear 16
Biomass 18
Geothermal 45
Solar PV 46
Natural gas 469
Coal 1001
The Water/Energy Nexus
Water and energy are inextricably linked in our current
modern infrastructure. Water is used in all phases of ener-
gy production. Energy is required to extract, pump and de-
liver water for use, and to treat waste-water so it can be
safely returned to the environment. The cumulative impact
of electricity generation on our water sources can be signifi-
cant, and varies by fuel source. According to The River Net-
work, the average fresh water use for 1 Gwh of electricity
by fuel type is as follows:
Electricity Source Gallons/GWh
Hydroelectric 29,920,000
Wind 1,000
Nuclear 2,995,000
Biomass 2,000
Geothermal 2,000
Solar PV 2,000
Natural gas 1,512,000
Coal 7,143,000
Current Electric Grid Profile
According to Xcel Energy, the total GHG emissions per MWH equal 0.356 metric tons. Using the River Network average
fresh water use by fuel type, the average water use per 1 Gwh of electricity in the city is 5,306,500 gallons.
Based on these numbers, by 2025 the additional solar pv installed in the City of Edina can reduce its annual Greenhouse
Gas emissions by 2,313 metric tons (45,383,646 cubic feet of man-made greenhouse atmosphere), and its annual water
footprint by 34.46 Million Gallons.
S e c t i o n 07
City Wide Municipal
Solid Waste Plasma
Gasification Potential
7-1 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
City Wide Municipal Solid Waste Plasma
Gasification Potential
Exploration of gasification of Municipal Solid Waste for ener-
gy and beneficial use bi-products should not be instituted in
competition with traditional goals of waste reduction, reuse,
and recycling efforts. Gasification works in conjunction with
this established waste hierarchy - even after efforts to re-
duce, reuse, recycle and compost, there is still residual waste
generated. Rather than send this residual waste to a landfill
where harmful greenhouse gas emissions are released, cap-
ture the energy value of the waste through plasma gasifica-
tion energy recovery facilities. This approach to energy gen-
eration may be a potential for any community that gener-
ates solid waste, regardless of whether or not that solid
waste is currently landfilled within the community’s bounda-
ries. For communities that currently export their solid waste
to locations outside of the community, it may be possible to
create a gasification plant within the community, or to ex-
plore partnering with the existing site handling the commu-
nity’s solid waste.
What is Gasification?
Gasification can be defined as a thermochemical process
that uses heat and a low-oxygen environment to transform
carbonaceous feedstock such as biomass or MSW through
partial oxidation to release other forms of energy. This
means that oxygen is injected but not enough to cause com-
plete combustion as it does in waste incinerators. Unlike
incineration, gasification converts solid or liquid waste feed-
stock into gaseous product by exposing it to a range of high
temperatures in a controlled supply of oxygen without actu-
ally burning it. At such elevated temperatures, bonds in solid
and liquid wastes are broken, releasing simple gaseous mol-
ecules, which are mainly a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO)
and hydrogen (H2) known as synthesis gas (syngas), which
has energy content and can be used to generate electrical
power in fuel cells or as a fuel in gas engines and turbines
after cleaning.
How Does a Gasification System Work?
Waste is fed into the top of the gasifier vessel through an
airlock. Purified oxygen and steam are injected into the base.
The gasification reaction occurs at temperatures around
2,200°C (4,000°F). As the waste descends within the gasifier,
it passes through several reaction zones reaching the hottest
area at the base. In each zone, different materials are driven
off. At the lowest point of the gasifier, the waste is reduced
to carbon char, inorganic materials, and metals. Injected
oxygen and steam react with the carbon char to produce a
synthesis gas (syngas), comprised predominately of carbon
monoxide and hydrogen. This reaction is highly exothermic,
meaning that it releases a large amount of energy in the
form of heat. The syngas and heat rise through the gasifier,
interacting with the waste as it descends through the vessel.
Syngas then exits the top of the gasifier vessel. At the base
of the gasifier, inorganic materials and metals collect in a
molten state. This molten liquid is periodically tapped out
and cools into a vitrified stone that is very similar in appear-
ance to volcanic rock and suitable for use in landscaping or
as construction material aggregate. Systems which use ultra
high temperatures and purified oxygen (as opposed to nitro-
gen-rich ambient air) avoids greenhouse gas emis-
sions because it eliminates nitrogen from the process and
preventing the formation of harmful substances such as ni-
trogen oxides.
Use of Municipal Solid Waste as Feedstock for Gasification
Systems which use ultra high temperatures and purified oxy-
gen, similar to Serria Energy’s FastOx, system can ac-
cept most waste, with the exception of radioactive and ex-
plosive materials. This includes municipal solid waste, bio-
mass, construction and demolition waste, industrial waste,
and even complex wastes, such as hazardous, toxic and med-
ical wastes without any additional treatment requirements.
The process requires minimal pre-treatment of feedstock.
After waste material is delivered to the site, it is shredded
prior to gasification. The gasfiier can handle wastes with
moisture contents of up to 50% by weight although optimal
moisture content is 20% and below. MSW is ideal feedstocks
for systems which use ultra high temperatures and purified
oxygen. The EPA defines MSW as waste consisting of every-
day items "used and then thrown away, such as product
packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food
scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint, and batteries,” which
come from “homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses” (US
Environmental Protection Agency, 2013). MSW makes a
great feedstock for these types of gasification systems due
to its abundance and its variable composition which tends to
optimize the gasification process. Use of MSW as gasifica-
tion feedstock should focus on converting non-recyclable
trash into energy. Therefore, processing MSW waste to ex-
tract all recyclable content should occur prior to entering the
gasification process.
End-product Creation
Gasifiers produce a high-quality syngas that can be convert-
ed into a number of valuable end products. The most com-
mon end products are syngas which can be used to generate
electricity, and solids including biochar, and vitrified stone
that is very similar in appearance to volcanic rock and suita-
ble for use in landscaping or as construction material aggre-
gate. To generate electricity, syngas must be cleaned to the
degree at which it can be used to power an electrical genera-
tion engine. The production of diesel, hydrogen fuel, and
other end products, requires additional syngas cleaning
efforts, as their purity requirements are more stringent than
that of electricity production. As a result, each desired end-
product may require a unique syngas cleaning and condition-
ing process.
7-2 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
7-3 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Graphic Source: Sierra Energy
City Wide Municipal Solid Waste Plasma Gasification Potential
What Emissions are Produced through Gasification?
Environmental performance in a MSW thermal treatment technology is important for the feasibility of the whole process.
Recent research has shown that the operation of thermo-chemical and biochemical solid waste conversion processes pos-
es little risk to human health or the environment compared to other commercial processes. Biochemical processes and
those of anaerobic digestion have gained a wider acceptance in recent years. The strong opposition to gasification pro-
cesses from environmental organizations is the result of misunderstanding that these processes are only minor variations
of incineration.
The type of thermal chemical conversion that occurs in gasification, as outlined above, has several important aspects that
make it different from conventional MSW incineration. The technology makes air pollution control easier and cheaper
compared with the conventional combustion processes. Exhaust gas cleanup of thermochemical conversion processes is
easier compared with incineration process, though still requires a proper process and emission control system design to
satisfy safety and health requirements.
University of California researchers conducted a limited study in 2005 of three prototype thermochemical conversion
technologies. Results from the analysis indicate that pyrolysis and gasification facilities currently operating throughout the
world with waste feedstocks meet each of their respective air quality emission limits. With few exceptions, most meet all
of the current emission limits mandated in California, the United States, the European Union, and Japan. In the case of
toxic air contaminants (dioxins/furans and mercury), every process evaluated met the most stringent emission standards
worldwide.
Systems which use ultra high temperatures and purified oxygen have zero direct emissions. It is a closed loop system that
converts waste into syngas, which is processed at the back end of the system into useful energy.
Plasma Gasification Potential in Hennepin
According to Sierra Energy, based on the City of Edin’a pro rata share of Hennepin County total landfilled municipal solid
waste, the current waste stream wthin Edina could generate:
7-4 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Source: Sierra Energy
Edina Total
66,962,640
or
1,655,150
or
2,801,932
kWh Electricity
annually
(14% of Edina citywide electric consumption)
Pounds Hydrogen Fuel
annually
Gallons of Biodiesel
annually
Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
S e c t i o n 08
Recommendations
8-1
Recommendations
Community-Wide Solar Recommendations
In support of the City’s interest in Greenhouse Gas emissions reductions and increase in renewable energy generation, we
recommend the following:
1) Maximize new installations through 2023 for both Residential and Commercial scale projects in order to leverage the
greatest potential for local cost savings from the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit. Actions to support this include:
a) Develop and distribute information on the advantages of solar with a particular focus on the current tax incentive
savings available for both homeowners and businesses. Information should also include detailed information on
incentives and opportunities for financing.
b) Develop and provide a solar benefits educational seminar for residents and businesses, content to include infor-
mation on the tax incentive savings potential as well as tools and resources for solar procurement and financing.
c) Conduct a “Solar Top 50” study to identify the top 50 commercial and industrial properties for on-site solar gener-
ation. Develop feasibility assessments for each property illustrating energy generation potential and estimated re-
turn on investment. Combine feasibility information with information developed in item a above and provide to
each subject property owner.
d) Organize and lead a Commercial Group Purchasing campaign annually to competitively bid contractors to offer
maximum cost savings based on power of quantity buying. This program could focus on the Solar Top 50 sites identi-
fied in item c above as well as combined with municipal facilities. Program should explore the inclusion of cash pur-
chase as well as third party purchase options.
e) Organize and lead a Residential Group Purchasing campaign in annually to competitively bid contractors to offer
maximum cost savings based on power of quantity buying.
f) Develop and distribute a “Solar Ready Guide” outlining steps building owners can take for new construction and
renovation projects to make buildings solar ready and decrease the cost of future installations.
g) Establish a requirement that all municipal owned new construction projects and significant renovation projects as
well as any projects which receive City funding are to be Solar Ready (based on City’s Solar Ready Guide see item f
above).
h) Establish a requirement that all municipal owned new construction projects and significant renovation projects as
well as any projects which receive City funding are to include a detailed solar feasibility assessment with projected
financial payback (cash purchase and 3rd party ownership options) to be included at time of building permit applica-
tion. (Strategy encourages awareness of solar potential and potential long-term economic savings)
2) Maximize new installations in years 2024 and beyond. Actions to support this include:
i) Establish an incentive for all privately owned new construction projects and significant renovation projects that are
designed to City’s Solar Ready Guidelines developed in item f above (incentive may include credit on building permit
application and/or expedited permit processing)
j) Establish a requirement that all new construction projects requiring a Conditional Use Permit or Planned Unit De-
velopment be designed to the City’s Solar Ready Guidelines developed in item f on previous page.
k) Establish a requirement that new construction projects and significant renovation projects within the City (private
and publicly owned) are to include a detailed solar feasibility assessment with projected financial payback (cash pur-
chase and 3rd party ownership options) to be included at time of building permit application. (Strategy encourages
awareness of solar potential and potential long-term economic savings)
i) Establish a requirement that all private or public projects receiving City funding be constructed as fully solar ready
and include an on-site solar pv array.
l) Coordinate with County to explore the development of new incentive programs, particularly those aimed at low
and moderate income residents. Program opportunities may include development of Low Income Home Energy As-
sistance Program (LIHEAP) based funding sources.
8-2 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Recommendations
Community-Wide Solar Recommendations (continued)
3) Maximize Solar benefits for Low and Moderate Income (LMI) communities:
o) Collaborate with County to explore opportunities to adapt local utilization of energy assistance programs, like the
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), to in-
clude solar power as approved cost-effective measures.
q) Identify municipally controlled properties suitable to house large ground-mounted community solar arrays and
issue RFP for community solar developer offering use of property at no cost in exchange for achievement of mini-
mum LMI participation.
r) Explore the potential of establishing a Community Development Financing Institution (CDFI) or Community Devel-
opment Entity (CDE) to identify and expand accessing to low income solar financial mechanisms.
4) Explore the potential for plasma gasification diverting all existing landfilled municipal solid waste for the development
of renewable energy, particularly for the production of hydrogen, renewable natural gas, or biodiesel for use in the com-
munity to reduce fossil fuel combustion within the building or transportation sector.
8-3 Edina Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Prepared by:
2515 White Bear Ave, A8
Suite 177
Maplewood, MN 55109
Contact:
Ted Redmond
tredmond@paleBLUEdot.llc