Richard A. Parker, a member of the Cape Elizabeth Energy Committee provided the following information, dated August 3, 2023, regarding the Cape Elizabeth Solar Field project and frequently asked questions.
BACKGROUND
In 2019 the Town Council instructed the newly created Energy Committee (EC) to explore and recommend options for the installation of a solar field on the existing landfill adjacent to the current recycling center. The EC solicited and reviewed more than 25 proposals from seven vendors before recommending that the town enter into an agreement with Encore to provide and operate a solar field. Encore is a Vermont based company with solar experience throughout New England. Issues caused by the pandemic, the supply chain, equipment costs and the everchanging electricity regulation landscape, delayed implementation of the contract until last year. The field is now scheduled for completion in about a year. In addition to mitigating ever increasing town energy costs, this field is part of our ongoing responsibility to address climate change by reducing the town’s carbon footprint.
Total savings will be approximately $127,000 per year. This includes $123,000 in electricity costs and $4,000 from Encore for leasing the land. Electricity savings assume an annual increase of 2% in the market price of electricity. Should the annual market price increase more than 2% per year, the savings will be greater.
Notice to Proceed (NTP) is expected this October. Construction will start sometime after this date. Completion and connection to the grid will be no more than one year after NTP. Savings will start then.
CMP’s monthly electric bill to the town is reduced by the amount of electricity generated by the field at the NEB (Net Energy Billing) rate established by the Maine PUC. This rate is the PUC standard offer service rate plus 75% of the transmission and distribution rate. The town then pays Encore for the electricity generated by their field at the rate agreed to in our contract. Currently this rate is about 40% less than the CMP rate.
Encore owns, operates and maintains the field. The land is leased to Encore for the duration of the contract.
Other than professional services for contract review and oversight by town personnel, the town has not incurred any costs. Net return on this investment essentially starts immediately after startup.
No. Operation and maintenance is the responsibility of Encore. This includes equipment repair and replacement as well as any necessary landscaping
Field generating capacity is determined by the available acreage as well as system design and efficiency. The field will initially generate 1.59 MWh per year. The amount gradually decreases overtime as the capacity of the solar panels decreases by about 0.5% per year. This initial amount is approximately 74% of the total amount of electricity currently consumed by the town (schools and government).
No. Saving in electricity costs is the only revenue.
Yes. The town is actively pursuing supplemental offers to offset more of our usage. Additionally, there are other opportunities for cost savings that should be included in future town plans.
It will tie into the grid near the substation located on Spurwink Road.
The Town Planning Board approved the project in May. This was followed by Town Council approval. Maine DEP approval for the landfill cap amendment is pending but is expected in the next few weeks. Building and electric permits from the town are pending. CMP approval of Portland cluster interconnection agreement is pending and scheduled for September.
No. The solar panel supports will be weighted ballasts that rest on top of the soil. The integrity of the landfill will be maintained. The location of solar fields on top of landfills is a common practice throughout Maine and is a practical use for otherwise limited value space.
The field will be enclosed in an eight foot high fence. The system will meet all required construction and electric codes.
The contract with Encore is for 20 years.
The agreement calls for Encore to remove all existing structures and equipment and return the site to its original state. However, there are options that the town should consider for its continued use after the end of the current agreement.
After 20 years, the field can still generate at 90% of its original capacity. Future use and viability will need to be evaluated at that time based on economic considerations, system condition, regulations and available technology.
Encore owns the RECs.
The town was able to negotiate a better price for electricity by not retaining the RECs. Further, the town is not staffed, nor does it have the expertise, to manage and market the RECs.
You can contact the Town Manager.