SunEdison, Inc. today announced the completion of two solar power systems totaling 1,280kW AC. The systems were developed for the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities' waste water treatment plant in partnership with Oak Leaf Energy Partners. SunEdison constructed and financed the installation of the systems.
The construction of the solar systems was funded in part by a $2 million grant from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund. The grant supports a 1,000kW solar system for the liquid treatment facility of the plant and another 280kW solar system for the on-site sludge drying facility, bringing the total installed solar capacity at the wastewater treatment plant to 1,280kW.
"Xcel Energy is a forward thinking utility, and by promoting the development of new renewable energy in their community they are creating economic activity and valuable jobs," said Mark Domine, SunEdison's senior director of US channel sales. "This is another great example of SunEdison delivering cost effective, clean and reliable renewable energy."
"These grants serve as a critical tool in the creation of renewable energy solutions," said Adam Duininck, Metropolitan Council chair. "The project developed by Oak Leaf and SunEdison will bring clean, renewable energy to our wastewater treatment plant while creating jobs, increasing the tax base, and promoting a more livable environment. We're proud to continue advancing our mission of sustainability. In addition, we expect to be able to pass some savings on to wastewater ratepayers across the region."
The solar power systems are expected to generate enough clean energy each year to power 10 percent of the wastewater treatment plant's annual electricity needs. This is the equivalent to powering more than 127 homes and avoids the emission of three million pounds of carbon dioxide, the same amount of carbon sequestered by more than 1,100 acres of U.S. forest.
"This project was a result of the leadership shown by the Metropolitan Council and the support provided by Xcel Energy," said Michael McCabe, Partner at Oak Leaf. "Oak Leaf applauds all project partners for their contributions in making this a successful project."
Operation and maintenance of the solar power plants will be performed by SunEdison Services.