Title
Gainesville SolarShare Grant Application (NB)
Gainesville Regional Utilities has submitted a grant application to the Department of Environmental Regulation for funds to develop a 200kW elevated photovoltaic array creating covered parking.
Explanation
Gainesville Regional Utilities has submitted a grant application to the Department of Environmental Regulation for funds to develop a 200kW elevated photovoltaic array creating covered parking. The project, preliminarily titled the Gainesville SolarShare, focuses on creating local demand for renewable energy by creating an investment opportunity. The project participants will be citizens who will own the generation from the system after it is constructed and will be paid for the energy generated, based on their share. This application requests $2,320,804, which represents 50 percent funding from DEP. With this matched funding the project cost will be more attractive as an investment for the community and will increase the take rate among customers.
GRU will construct the system and actively sell shares within the local community. All generation from the system will flow onto GRU's distribution system and GRU is committed to purchasing 100% of the generation at its avoided cost of generation. This dividend will be credited monthly on investors' bills. Instead of buying tags from out of state or donating money toward renewable projects Gainesville SolarShare would offer the unique opportunity to own renewable generation. In addition this project will decrease the need for new generation and offset fossil fuel consumption. Members of Gainesville SolarShare would be able to feel and see what their investment has accomplished and also experience the financial benefits of their investment on their monthly bills.
Prior to construction GRU will spend one year pre-selling the system. GRU will build a system sized by the total funds committed. In this way the local community will determine the degree to which renewable energy is pursued. It is anticipated that this project will serve to increase community pride and interest in renewable energy, as well as promoting recognition of the Gainesville area as an environmentally conscious community. This project could be the first among many similar projects to increase renewable generation within GRU's service territory.
Recommendations
The City Commission hear a presentation from staff on application for a Department of Environmental Regulation (DEP) Florida Renewable Energy Technologies Grant for the Gainesville SolarShare Project.
Drafter
Prepared by: Heidi Lannon, Managing Utility Analyst-Strategic Planning
Submitted by: Karen Johnson, Interim General Manager