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`F°"`'�P City Council Staff Report
Date: June 18, 2014 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Subject: SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AB 1318
MITIGATION FEES FUND-SENTINEL POWER PLANT
From: David H. Ready, City Manager
Initiated by: Public Works and Engineering Department
SUMMARY
The City Council will receive an update on the status of the AQMD Solar Grant projects,
and consider authorizing staff to issue an RFP for the design-build construction of four
solar voltaic projects.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Authorize staff to issue an RFP
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) approved the City's
application for four solar voltaic projects as follows:
1) $284,915 for the Palm Springs Visitors Center
2) $311,680 for Fire Station #3
3) $190,365 for Train Station
4) $388,265 for the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
City Council authorized the agreement with AQMD on September 18, 2013. The City
received the executed agreement from AQMD in November 2013. Subsequent to
receipt of the executed agreement, AQMD sent City staff documents for City's use in
preparing the Request for Proposals.
On January 23, 2014 staff entered into a contract with Terra Nova Planning and
Research (the firm that prepared the successful grant applications on the City's behalf)
to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design and construction of the approved
solar voltaic projects.
A draft RFP was received from Terra Nova in February 2014 and staffs comments were
made and transmitted to Terra Nova in March. A revised RFP was received and final
comments made on the document sent to Procurement in May.
ITEM NO. L—
City Council Staff Report
June 18, 2014 - Page 2
South Coast Air Quality Management District AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund-Sentinel Power Plant
AQMD notified staff on May 23 that they would prefer to see the document before it is
put out for advertisement. Engineering staff has worked on getting a couple final
questions answered by AQMD staff so that Procurement Department can complete the
document for AQMD review and subsequently advertising for proposals The current
schedule is as follows: 1) RFP completed by Procurement and sent to AQMD-June 19,
2) AQMD completes review and approves for advertising-June 26, 3) Proposals due 1st
week in August, 4) Award by Council 1st meeting in September. Construction is
expected to be completed by January 2015. The City/AQMD Agreement requires all
projects to be complete on or before October 10, 2017.
Attached to this staff report are the project descriptions as they were submitted to
AQMD. Project #'s 2 and 4 are proposed to be roof mounted solar voltaic power arrays.
The train station (project # 3) solar panels are proposed to be mounted on carport like
shade structures due to the limited building roof area while project # 1 will have similar
mountings to the train station or some other panel mounting not on the roof due to the
historic nature of the structure.
SUBMITTED:
Prepared by: j Approved by:
David J. Barakian David H. Ready
Director of Public Works/City Engineer City Manager
Attachment:
1) AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
02
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
if. PROJECT 1: INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY AT
THE PALM SPRINGS VISITORS CENTER
FUNDS REQUESTED: $284,915
A. Summary
The City requests $284,915 of AB 1318 Mitigation Fee funding for the design and installation of
a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Palm Springs Visitors Center. The project is located
entirely within the designated six-mile radius of the Sentinel power plant, and the City is
requesting 100% funding from the "close proximity" fund category. Financial energy efficiency
incentives from third party sources may be available for the project that could reduce overall
costs from those requested. If still in place at the time the grant is awarded, these cost savings
will be disclosed to AQMD staff and implemented before grant funding is provided to the City.
The proposed project will demonstrate the City's leadership in, and commitment to furthering
renewable energy solutions. The project will consist of the design and installation of a grid-tied
system of sufficient size to generate the equivalent power supply needed to power this building.
This project will offset the City's annual power consumption and reduce air emissions associated
with traditional power supplies. Additional benefits of the PV system will include improvements
to air quality by eliminating the use of coal and gas, and the creation of local jobs by generating a
demand for solar module planners, installers, and mechanics. The use of the PV system will
indirectly benefit City residents by freeing up revenue previously spent on operational electricity
costs at the Visitors Center and making them available for other City programs and expenses.
B. Project Description
The Visitors Center is located at 2901 North
Palm Canyon Drive, at the northwest comer
of North Palm Canyon Drive and Tramway
Road (see Exhibit 1). The historic building
is located at the primary entrance to the City
and serves as a prime tourism contact point �..
for hotels, retailers and restaurants. It
provides information regarding City
F _
accommodations, dining, shopping, '
recreation, entertainment, and other local
and regional attractions, and attracts more
than 125,000 visitors each year. Palm Springs Visitor Center
03
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Built in 1965, the Visitors Center was
designed in the Desert Modernism
architectural style by noted architects Albert
Frey and Robson Chambers, and operated as
i
the Tramway gas station for 20 years. It was
purchased, restored, and updated by the City N�'vk WoFft7W,
;— in 2003, and is designated as a Palm Springs
Historic Resource. It is a single-story, stand-
-. alone building of approximately 2,730 square
feets with an adjacent±40-space parking lot to
71 its west. The building is southeast facing with
a"butterfly" roof design which is inverted and
Visitor Center Parking Lot slightly sloping down toward the middle of the
building from two sides.
The City will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit bids from multiple local (within the
Coachella Valley) solar PV system vendors and award a contract. Under the guidance and
expertise of the selected firm,the City will identify appropriate and effective types and quantities
of PV modules suitable for this particular building and site, taking into consideration the need to
accommodate the tilt necessary to maximize solar irradiance. Given the building's status as a
Palm Springs Historic Resource and the importance of maintaining the integrity of its unique
roofline, the proposed PV array will not be roof-mounted. Rather, it will consist of multiple
elevated, steel carport-like structures in the existing parking lot, upon which will be mounted the
solar PV panels. Examples of similar structures in the Coachella Valley are provided in the
photos below. A range of product options are available, as described in the "Technologies to be
Implemented" section below.
2
AIWZ
Examples of Parking Lot Solar Panel Mounts
5 Palm Springs Building Department,May 17, 2012.
(7 �
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Once the specific system parameters have been selected, the array will be installed and become
operational. It will operate year-round and generate electricity during daylight hours when
electricity demand is at its peak. It is expected that 100% of the energy demand generated by the
Visitors Center will be met by the proposed PV system.
1. Technologies to be Implemented
A typical solar PV array consists of pre-assembled PV modules (monocrystalline or
polycrystalline), module cabling (on the direct current side), an inverter which converts direct
current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, a connection to the electricity
network (on the alternating current side), mounting equipment, and optional batteries for energy
storage or backup power in case of power interruptions. The PV system will be interconnected to
the local Southern California Edison (SCE) electricity grid. Systems are designed to over-
produce during daylight hours, and energy surpluses generated during the day are fed into the
grid; during the evening hours, electricity "credits"are returned to the meter for cost savings.
Preliminary product specifications were obtained from solar providers in the Coachella Valley
for the purpose of estimating system parameters required for this project. The data received are
summarized in the table below. The system will provide between 64,000 and 66,726 kWh
annually, and will be sized to meet all energy demands generated by the Visitors Center(in 2011,
the Visitors Center consumed 62,320 kWh).
Table 2
Palm Springs Visitors Center
Solar PV System—Preliminary Product Specifications
Total System % of Energy
Size* Panels Inverters Recovered
Option 1 41.000 kW DC Quantity 164: Quantity 164: 106%
Power (STC) LG Electronics Solar Cell Enphase Energy
34.952 kW AC Division Model: Model: M215-
Power(CEC size) LG250S1C-G2 250W 60=2LL-S22
Monocrystalline Module
Option 2 40.06 KW-DC Quantity: 154 102%
Power Schuco Solar, MPE 260
MS 08 Monocrystalline
Module
Option 3 43.12 kW Quantity: 176
Power 1 Ma a 245 watt
'size needed to produce enough electricity to offset annual electricity use
---=information not provided.
Source:preliminary estimates provided by local contractors
05
i
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
The actual PV system selected will be determined following careful consideration of contract
proposals, which will be solicited from local solar providers once grant funding is secured. It is
expected that one of the above systems or a system of similar scale and specification will
ultimately be utilized.
2. Projected Emissions Reductions
The selected PV system is expected to generate 100% of the Visitors Center's energy
consumption, and will therefore eliminate the use of electricity produced by coal, gas, and other
fossil fuels that emit air pollutants when converted to energy.
Emissions reductions were estimated for this project using the Clean Air and Climate Protection
(CACP) Software, Version 1.1 developed by Torrie Smith Associates, with support from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators
(STAPPA),and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO).
To quantify emission reductions resulting from implementation of the covered parking solar at
the Visitors Center, it was.assumed that 62,320 kwh generated by an average electricity grid mix
representative of NERC (North American Electricity Reliability Council) region 13 was replaced
by 62,320 kwh generated by"green electricity."
The following table provides the estimated annual emission reductions of criteria pollutants and
greenhouse gases that will result from implementation of solar at the Palm Springs Visitors
Center. Output tables are also provided in Appendix B.
Table 3
Palm Springs Visitors Center
Emission Reduction Estimates
From Proposed Solar PV Installation Project
Reductions (pounds per ear
CO2e CO VOC NOx SOx PMr
64,422 1 37 4 59 37 27
Sources:Clean Air Climate Protection Software and City data on 2011 energy demands for Visitors Center.
t Reduction estimate is from the CACP software assuming the replacement of the average electricity grid mix with
"Green"electricity,Assumes PV system generates a minimum of 100%of facility energy needs.
3. Secondary Benefits
The proposed project will have numerous secondary benefits, most notably a reduction in the
City's annual power consumption and a reduction in air pollutant emissions from traditional
power supplies, which are quantified above. The solar PV system will generate electric power
without generating noise, air pollution, or hazardous waste, while also reducing reliance on, and
06
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels. The project will contribute to a reduction in demand
for local and regional electric supplies. Electricity to the site is currently provided by SCE, which
uses a wide range of energy resources to produce electricity throughout its service area. The
upper Coachella Valley is currently served by an electrical system of interconnected substations
and 115kV subtransmission lines that are becoming overloaded beyond its capacity, especially
during peak demand periods. SCE is currently reconfiguring the existing system to relieve
overload conditions on existing iines.6
In 2011, the Visitors Center used 62,320 kWh of electricity generated by operational uses,
including heating and cooling, lighting, and electronics, such as computers, printers and other
equipment. Its conversion to a grid-tied solar PV system will eliminate the net demand from the
local power grid, and constitute an incremental step toward reducing the strain on local and
regional electricity supplies, including the peak day demand. Similarly, the project will
contribute to an incremental improvement in local and regional public health resulting from a
reduction in criteria pollutant emissions.
Above-parking solar mounts will reduce temperatures in the parking lot, resulting in a reduction
in heat island effects. The PV system will also provide shaded parking for vehicles, which will
reduce the strain on vehicle cooling systems in the intense desert environment.
The project will also result in direct cost savings to the City, thereby "freeing up"public moneys
for other projects and programs. It is expected that 100% of the energy demand generated by the
Visitors Center will be met by the proposed PV system. Based on the 2011 average price per
kWh of$0.18,the annual cost savings with installation of the PV system will be $11,467. These
monies, currently used to pay for utility bills, will be available for other programs and expenses
in a time when City revenues are limited, and programs have been reduced or eliminated.
4. Estimated Job Creation
Solar energy can be an effective economic development driver as it employs a wide range of
workers, many of which are skilled and/or high-tech positions requiring advanced education,
training, or certification.
Direct Employment
It is anticipated that construction of the Visitors Center solar array will result in the direct
employment of 6 solar vendor personnel, including 2 solar engineers/designers and 4 equipment
installers. The City is committed to selecting a local Coachella Valley vendor, and it is expected
that all solar vendor employees will be local residents. Project administration and oversight will
%ttp://www.sce.conVPowerandEnvronnient,Transmission/prof eetsbyCounty/RivetsideCounty/DeversMirage/defaut
t accessed April 23,2012.
07
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
also require the time and skills of 4 City employees in the Public Works Department who are
local Coachella Valley residents.
Indirect Employment
Although not quantifiable, project build out will also indirectly contribute to the employment of
other individuals in the solar technology industry. The project will increase the demand for solar
panels, associated hardware, and ongoing maintenance services, thereby providing work
opportunities for equipment engineers and assemblers, truck drivers and construction equipment
operators, and roofers and mechanical technicians.
Economic Multipliers
Build out of the Visitors Center solar array will not only generate project-related jobs, but will
also result in a spending "multiplier effect" in the community and region. The economic
multiplier effect occurs when a worker's disposable income is spent on local goods and services,
such as food, housing, and clothing, and then it "trickles down" throughout other sectors of the
economy.
Economic analysis often considers a multiplier of 2.5 in assessing the potential benefits
associated with indirect expenditures; that is to say that every dollar spent results in actual
spending of$2.50 because of the"domino"effect of additional revenue. Average wages for solar
engineers/designers in the Coachella Valley are $89/hour, and it is anticipated that project design
will require a total of 235 hours of engineering time; this equates to $20,915 in engineering
salaries. Hourly wages for solar installers in the Coachella Valley are $40/hour. It is anticipated
that a total of 480 hours will be needed for installation of the Visitors Center solar array,
resulting in payment of$19,200 to solar installers. Total payments to solar vendors, therefore,
are estimated at $40,1IS. If 20% of these salaries, or $8,023, is expendable income spent on
goods and services throughout the Coachella Valley, a multiplier of 2.5 means that $20,058 will
be recycled through the local and regional economies.
Increased spending and demand for services and goods could also translate into more local jobs.
Based on an analysis of economic data for the Coachella Valley, the region's base employment
multiplier is 1.7.7 This means that for every new job created in the region, 0.7 additional jobs
will be generated indirectly as "new" money is spent in the economy. As the Visitors Center
solar project is expected to directly employ 6 solar vendor personnel, this could translate into the
creation of 4.2 new jobs elsewhere in the community.
7"Coachella Valley Economic Blueprint,"prepared by Market Street Services,Inc. for Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership,2008.
08
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
C. Statement of Work
To complete the proposed project, the City Public Works Department will initiate a Request for
Proposals (RFP) process to solicit bids from multiple local (within the Coachella Valley) solar
array providers. The Department will work closely with the selected provider to assure cost-
effective and efficient installation and operation of the solar array system at the Visitors Center.
The Department will provide for ongoing management and oversight of the project, as well as
routine and final inspections of all work products. The resulting solar PV system will be
connected to the larger regional power grid operated by SCE.
09
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Ill. PROJECT 2: INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY AT
FIRE STATION #3
FUNDS REQUESTED: $311,680
A. Summan,
The City proposes to allocate $311,680 toward the administration, design, and installation of a
solar PV system at Palm Springs Fire Station #3. As the project is located entirely within the
established 6-mile radius of the Sentinel power plant, 100% of funding is requested from the
"close proximity" funding category provided by AB1318 Mitigation Fees. Financial energy
efficiency incentives from third party sources may be available for the project that could reduce
overall costs from those requested. If still in place at the time the grant is awarded, these cost
savings will be disclosed to AQMD staff and implemented before grant funding is provided to
the City. The City will issue a Request for Proposals to solar array providers in the Coachella
Valley and will work closely with the selected firm to design, install and make operational a
solar array system at the Fire Station.
The installation of solar PV on the fire station will demonstrate and support the City's
commitment to the use of alternative energy sources, while also reducing air emissions generated
by local and regional power plants, reducing long-term energy costs, and creating local and
regional jobs.
B. Project Description
Palm Springs Fire Station 43 is located at 590 E. Racquet Club. at the northwest corner of
Racquet Club and Via Miraleste, in the
southern portion of the designated 6-
mile radius of the Sentinel power plant
(please see Exhibit 1). The station's
primary response area includes land
east to Gene Autry Trail, south to
Tachevah, north to the City limits, and
west to the City limits. The building is
single-story, flat-roofed, and
encompasses approximately 6,254
square feet s It is south-facing with an
adjacent t8-space parking lot to the
immediate north. Fire Station 43
'Palm Springs Building Department,May 17,2012.
1 (�
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
The proposed project will consist of the
installation of a grid-tied, roof-top solar
photovoltaic (PV) power array. The City
will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to
solicit bids from local (within the Coachella
Valley) solar PV providers and award a
contract. Together with its contractor, the
City will determine the most effective solar
PV system parameters for this particular
building and site. A range of product
options are available, as described in the "Technologies to be Implemented"section below.
After product selection, the system will be installed and become operational. It will operate year-
round, renewing its energy supply during hours of sunlight, and is expected to produce 100% of
the energy demand generate by the fire station.
1. Technologies to be Implemented
A solar PV array typically includes pre-assembled monocrystalline or polycrystalline PV
modules, cabling, an inverter (to convert direct current electricity to alternating current), a
connection to the broader local electricity network ("grid"), mounting equipment, and optional
batteries for energy storage and backup power during power interruptions. The PV system will
be interconnected to the local Southern California Edison electricity grid. Systems are designed
to over-produce during daylight hours, and energy surpluses generated during the day are fed
into the grid; during the evening hours, electricity "credits" are returned to the meter for cost
savings.
In 2011, the fire station consumed approximately 65,998 kWh of electricity for heating, cooling,
lighting, and electronics such as computers, printers, and other equipment. The proposed solar
PV array is expected to provide 100% of the fire station's future annual energy demand, which is
conservatively estimated to be between 68,600 and 73,300 kWh. Solar PV vendors in the
Coachella Valley have provided anticipated product requirements and specifications for a system
capable of providing this level of electricity. Their recommendations are provided in the table
below.
I1
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Table 6
Palm Springs Fire Station#3
Solar PV S stem—PreliminaryProduct Specifications
Total System % of Energy
Size* Panels Inverters Recovered
Option 1 45 KW-DC Power Quantity: 180 Quantity: 180 106%
(STC) LG Electronics Solar Cell Enphase Energy
38.362 KW-AC Division Model: Model: M215-
Power(CEC size) LG250S1C-G2, 250W 60-2LL-S22
Monocrystalline module
Option 2 42.9 KW-DC Quantity: 165 102%
Power Schuco Solar, MPE 260 ---
MS 08
Option 3 46.55 kW Quantity: 190 ___
Power Ma a 245 watt
'size needed to produce enough electricity to offset annual electricity use
---=information not provided.
Source:preliminary estimates provided by local contractors
2. Projected Emissions Reductions
By producing 100% of the fire station's electricity demand from solar resources, the proposed
PV array will eliminate the station's consumption of coal and gas-fired energy generated by
local/regional power plants. Projected air emission reductions resulting from the project are
shown in the table below.
Emissions reductions were estimated for this project using the Clean Air and Climate Protection
(CACP) Software, Version 1.1 developed by Torrie Smith Associates, with support from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators
(STAPPA), and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO).
To quantify emission reductions resulting from implementation of the rooftop solar at Fire
Station #3, it was assumed that 65,998 kWh generated by an average electricity grid mix
representative of NERC (North American Electricity Reliability Council)region 13 was replaced
by 65, 998 kWh generated by"green electricity."
The following table provides the annual emissions reductions of criteria pollutants and
greenhouse gases that will result from implementation of rooftop solar at the Palm Springs Fire
Station#3. Output tables are also provided in Appendix B.
12
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Table 7
Palm Springs Fire Station #3
Emission Reduction Estimates
From Pro osed Solar PV Installation Project
Reductions (pound's per ear
CO2e CO VOC NOx SOX PMta
68,224 39 4 63 39 28
Sources: Clean Air Climate Protection Software and City data based on 2011 energy demands of Fire Station#3.
' Reduction estimate is from the CACP software assuming the replacement of the average electricity grid mix with
"Green"electricity.Assumes PV system generates a minimum of 100%of facility energy needs.
The emission reduction estimates shown above provide the quantity of criteria pollutants and
greenhouse gas emissions avoided on an annual basis from implementation of the rooftop solar
system at Fire Station#3.
3. Secondary Benefits
Related to the project's air emission reductions, the local and regional population will benefit
from improved air quality, which will have positive effects on the health of local residents. A
reduction in criteria pollutants emissions will contribute to an incremental improvement in local
and regional public health.
A rooftop system will increase the roof life of the Fire Station, by protecting the roof from direct
sun exposure. In addition, the PV system could reduce the heating and cooling load of Fire
Station #3, since the PV system will shade the roof, thereby cooling it down and reducing the
maximum surface temperature.
The proposed project will generate electricity without producing noise or hazardous waste. The
project will also contribute to an incremental reduction in the .region's consumption of, and
reliance on fossil fuels.
The electrical power grid in the upper Coachella Valley, which is operated by Southern
California Edison (SCE), is currently overloaded beyond its capacity, and SCE is reconfiguring
the system in response. The proposed solar array project will eliminate the fire station's net
demand for local electricity supplies and contribute to a solution to an overloaded system.
Utilization of the proposed solar PV system will result in direct cost savings to the City. In 2011,
the annual energy demand for the station was 65,998 kWh for heating and cooling, lighting, and
electronics, such as computers,printers, and other equipment, with an associated per kWh cost of
$0.17. It is expected that 100%of the energy demand generated by Fire Station#3 will be met by
the proposed PV'system, representing a savings of$10,890 to the City annually. These monies
13
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
previously used to pay for utility bills will be available for other programs and expenses in a time
when City revenues are limited,and programs have been reduced or eliminated.
4. Estimated Job Creation
Solar energy can be an effective economic development driver as it employs a wide range of
workers, many of which are skilled and/or high-tech positions requiring advanced education,
training, or certification.
Direct Employment
It is anticipated that construction of the Fire Station's solar array will result in the direct
employment of 6 solar vendor employees, including 2 solar design engineers for project design,
planning and supervision, and 4 PV system installers. Since the City is committed to selecting a
Y tY g
local Coachella Valley vendor, it is expected that all 6 solar vendor personnel will be local
residents. Project administration and oversight will also require the time and skills of 4 City
employees in the Public Works Department who are local Coachella Valley residents.
Indirect Employment
Although not quantifiable, project build out will also indirectly contribute to the employment of
other individuals in the solar technology industry. The project will increase the demand for solar
panels, associated hardware, and ongoing maintenance services, thereby providing work
opportunities for equipment engineers and assemblers, truck drivers and construction equipment
operators, and roofers and mechanical technicians. While some of these individuals, such as
roofers and service technicians, may live locally, it is likely that others such as assemblers live
outside the region.
Economic Multipliers
Build out of the Fire Station solar array will not only generate project-related jobs, but will also
result in a spending "multiplier effect" in the community and region. The economic multiplier
effect occurs when a worker's disposable income is spent on local goods and services, such as
food, housing, and clothing, and then"trickles down" throughout the economy.
Economic analysis often considers a multiplier of 2.5 in assessing the potential benefits
associated with indirect expenditures; that is to say that every dollar spent results in actual
spending of$2.50 because of the "domino" effect of additional revenue. Average rates for solar
engineers/designers in the Coachella Valley are $89/hour, and it is anticipated that project design
will require a total of 265 hours of engineering time. This equates to $23,585 in engineering
salaries. Hourly wages for solar installers in the Coachella Valley are $40/hour. It is anticipated
that a total of 480 hours will be needed for installation of the Fire Station solar array, resulting in
payment of$19,200 to solar installers. Total payments to solar vendors, therefore, are estimated
at $42,785. If 20% of these salaries, or $8,557, is expendable income spent on goods and
14
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
services throughout the Coachella Valley, a multiplier of 2.5 means that $21,393 will be recycled
through the local and regional economics.
Increased spending and demand for services and goods could also translate into more local jobs.
Based on an analysis of economic data for the Coachella Valley, the region's base employment
multiplier is 1.7.9 This means that for every new job created in the region, 0.7 additional jobs
will be generated indirectly as "new" money is spent in the economy. As the Fire Station solar
project is expected to directly employ 6 solar vendor personnel, this could translate into the
creation of 4.2 new jobs in the community.
C. Statement of Work
To complete the proposed project, the City Public Works Department will initiate a Request for
Proposals (RFP) process to solicit bids from multiple local (within the Coachella Valley) solar
array providers. The Department will work closely with the selected provider to assure cost-
effective and efficient design, installation and operation of the solar array system at the Fire
Station. Public Works will provide ongoing management and oversight of the project, as well as
routine and final .inspections of all work products. The resulting solar PV system will be
connected to the larger regional power grid operated by Southern California Edison.
"'Coachella Valley Economic Blueprint,"prepared by Market Street Services,Inc.for Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership,2008.
i5
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
IV. PROJECT 3: INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY AT
THE PALM SPRINGS TRAIN STATION
FUNDS REQUESTED: $190,365
A. Summary
The City is seeking $190,365 of AB1318 Mitigation Fee funds for the design, installation, and
administration of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays at the Palm Springs Train Station. The station is
located approximately three (3) miles southeast of the Sentinel power plant, and the City is
requesting 100% funding from the "close proximity" fund category. Financial energy efficiency
incentives from third party sources may be available for the project that could reduce overall
costs from those requested. If still in place at the time the grant is awarded, these cost savings
will be disclosed to AQMD staff and implemented before grant funding is provided to the City.
The project will involve the City issuing a Request for Proposals from local and regional solar
array vendors, and selecting and working closely with the subconsultant to install and make
operational a solar array at the Palm Springs Train Station parking lot.
B. Project Description
The Palm Springs Train Station is located
at 63950 Palm Springs Station Road, just
west of Indian Avenue and south of I-10
and Garnet Avenue (please see Exhibit 1).
The station serves Amtrak passenger trains
and Greyhound buses and consists of an
open-air platform and covered structure of
approximately 2,160 square feet.10 To the
immediate south is an adjacent parking lot
with t40 parking spaces and an additional
t6 parking spaces for oversized vehicles,
such as campers and RVs. To the Palm Springs Train Station
immediate north are northwest-southeast
trending railroad tracks.
The City will select a local (within the Coachella Valley) solar PV system provider using its RFP
process. Together with its consultant, the City will determine appropriate system parameters and
10 Palm Springs Building Department,May 17,2012.
16
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
products needed to optimize on-site solar
power generation. Due to the covered
structure's limited size and roofing supports,
multiple elevated, steel carport-like structures
will be built in the parking lot, and 100% of
the solar panels will be mounted atop these
structures. Please refer to the photos below for
i examples of parking lot solar mounts found
x elsewhere in the Coachella Valley. Once the
system is installed and operational, it is
expected to provide 100% of the station's
Train Station Parking Lot energy demands.
1. Technologies to be Implemented
A typical solar PV array consists of pre-assembled PV modules (monocrystalline or
polycrystalline), module cabling (on the direct current side), an inverter which converts direct
current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, a connection to the electricity
network (on the alternating current side), mounting equipment, and optional batteries for energy
storage or backup power in case of power interruptions. The PV system will be interconnected to
the local Southem California Edison electricity grid. Systems are designed to over-produce
during daylight hours, and energy surpluses generated during the day are fed into the grid; during
the evening hours, electricity"credits" are returned to the meter for cost savings.
In 2011, the annual energy demand of the train station was 39,122 kwh, generated by outdoor
lighting of the parking lot and passenger platform. To provide for a conservative analysis, it is
Examples of Parking Lot Solar Panel Mounts
1 �
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
assumed that future energy consumption at the station will be approximately 43,000 kWh
annually, and the proposed solar array will be designed with a capacity to meet this demand.
Solar providers in the Coachella Valley were contacted to estimate preliminary system
requirements for the proposed project. The information received is summarized in the table
below. Each system will be capable of generating approximately 43,000 kwh annually, as
mentioned above.
Table 10
Palm Springs Train Station
Solar PV Sys in—Preliminary Product Specifications
Total System % of Energy
Size* Panels Inverters Recovered
Option 1 27 KW-DC Power Quantity: I08 Quantity: 108 106%
(STC) LG Electronics Solar Cell Enphase Energy
23.017 KW-AC Division Model: Model: M215-
Power(CEC size) LG250S1C-G2, 250W 60-2LL-S22
Monocrystalline module
Option 2 27.3 KW-DC Quantity: 105 106%
Power Schuco Solar, MPE 260 ---
MS 08
Option 3 29.89 kW Quantity: 122
Power Mae 245 watt
*size needed to produce enough electricity to offset annual electricity use
---=information not provided.
Source:preliminary estimates provided by local contractors
2. Projected Emissions Reductions
The proposed project is expected to provide 100% of the train station's energy requirements and,
therefore, will eliminate: the consumption of coal, gas, and other non-renewable fossil fuels
generated by local and/or regional power plants for this site. This will translate into associated air
emission reductions.
Emission reductions were estimated for this project using the Clean Air and Climate Protection
(CACP) Software, Version 1.1 developed by Tome Smith Associates, with support from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators
(STAPPA), and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officers (ALAPCO).
To quantify emission reductions resulting from implementation of the solar covered parking at
the train station, it was assumed that 43,000 kWh generated by an average electricity grid mix
18
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
representative of NERC (North American Electricity Reliability Council) region 13 was replaced
by 43,000 kWh generated by"green electricity."
The following table provides the annual emissions reduction of criteria pollutants and
greenhouse gases that will result from implementation of solar over top parking at the Palm
Springs Train Station. Output tables are also provided in Appendix B.
Table 11
Palm Springs Train Station
Emission Reduction Estimates
From Proposed Solar PV Installation Project
Reductions (pounds per ear
COie CO VOC NO: SOx PMto
.441451 25 3 41 25 18
Sources:Clean Air Climate Protection Software and City data based on 2011 energy demands of train station.
' Reduction is from the CACP software assuming the replacement of the average electricity grid mix with"Green"
electricity.Assumes PV system generates a minimum of 100%of facility energy needs. -
3. Secondary Benefits
Use of the proposed solar PV array at the Train Station will reduce the amount of electric power
demanded from local and/or regional power plants. Although this reduction is arguably limited in
scale due to the small size of the facility, it nonetheless represents an incremental contribution to
local and regional reductions in the use of and reliance on coal, gas, and other non-renewable
resources. More specifically, the use of solar power at this site will ease the pressure currently
experienced by SCE's upper Coachella Valley power grid, which is overloaded beyond its
capacity and being reconfigured.11
The conversion to solar power will also contribute to health benefits for the local and regional
population. Above-parking solar could reduce heat temperatures of the parking lot, thereby
reducing the heat island effect, and provide shaded parking, which could reduce the amount of
coolant needed to achieve desirable temperatures inside vehicles.
Utilization of the proposed solar PV system at the Train Station will result in direct cost savings
to the City. In 2011, the annual energy demand of the train station was 39,122 kWh, generated by
outdoor lighting for the station and parking lot. As mentioned, it is assumed that 43,000 kWh
will be generated by the proposed PV system, which represents an annual savings of$6,493 to
the City. These funds will be available for other City programs and projects.
In addition, PV installation can be expected to increase the value of the train station property.
uhtty://www sce com/Power4ndEnvronmentiTransmission/ProiectsbvCounty/RiversideCounty/DeversMira e/a defau
lt.htm accessed April 23,2012.
l �
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
4. Estimated Job Creation
Solar energy can be an effective economic development driver as it employs a wide range of
workers, many of which are skilled and/or high-tech positions requiring advanced education,
training, or certification.
Direct Employment
It is anticipated that construction of the Train Station solar array will result in the direct
employment of 4 solar vendor employees, including 2 solar engineering consultants for project
design, planning and supervision, and 2 PV system installers. Since the City is committed to
selecting a local Coachella Valley vendor, it is expected that all 4 solar vendor personnel will be
local residents. Project administration and oversight will also require the time and skills of 4 City
employees in the Public Works Department who are local Coachella Valley residents.
Indirect Employment
Although not quantifiable, project buildout will also indirectly contribute to the employment of
other individuals in the solar technology industry. The project will increase the demand for solar
panels, associated hardware, and ongoing maintenance services, thereby providing work
opportunities for equipment engineers and assemblers, truck drivers and construction equipment
operators, and roofers and mechanical technicians. While some of these individuals, such as
roofers and service technicians, may live locally, it is likely that others such as assemblers five
outside the region.
Economic Multipliers
Buildout of the Train Station solar array will not only generate project-related jobs, but will also
result in a spending "multiplier effect" in the community and region. The economic multiplier
effect occurs when a worker's disposable income is spent on local goods and services, such as
food,housing, and clothing, and then"trickles down"throughout the economy.
Economic analysis often considers a multiplier of 2.5 in assessing the potential benefits
associated with indirect expenditures; that is to say that every dollar spent results in actual
spending of$2.50 because of the "domino" effect of additional revenue. Average rates for solar
engineers/designers in the Coachella Valley are $89/hour, and it is anticipated that project design
will require a total of 150 hours of engineering time. This equates to $13,350 in engineering
salaries. Hourly wages for solar installers in the Coachella Valley are $40/hour. It is anticipated
that a total of 240 hours will be needed for installation of the Train Station solar array, resulting
in payment of$9,600 to solar installers. Total payments to solar vendors, therefore, are estimated
at $22,950. If 20% of these salaries, or $4,590, is expendable income spent on goods and
services throughout the Coachella Valley,a multiplier of 2.5 means that$11,475 will be recycled
through the local and regional economies.
20
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Increased spending and demand 'for services and goods could also translate into more local jobs.
Based on an analysis of economic data for the Coachella Valley, the region's base employment
multiplier is 1.7.12 This means that for every new job created in the region, 0.7 additional jobs
will be generated indirectly as "new" money is spent in the economy. As the Train Station solar
project is expected to directly employ 4 solar vendor personnel, this could translate into the
creation of 2.8 new jobs in the community.
C. Statement of Work
To complete the proposed project, the City Public Works Department shall initiate a Request for
Proposals (RFP) process to solicit bids from multiple local (within the Coachella Valley) solar
array providers. The Department shall work closely with the selected provider to assure cost-
effective and efficient installation and operation of the solar array system at the Train Station.
Public Works shall provide ongoing management and oversight of the project, as well as routine
and final inspections of all work products. The resulting solar PV system shall be connected to
the larger regional power grid operated by Southern California Edison.
rz"Coachella Valley Economic Blueprint,"prepared by Market Street Services,Inc. for Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership,2008.
- 21
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
V. PROJECT 4: INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY AT
THE JAMES O. JESSIE DESERT HIGHLAND UNITY CENTER
FUNDS REQUESTED-$388,265
A. Summan'
The City is seeking $388,265 in AB1318 Mitigation Fee funding for design, installation, and
administration of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity
Center. Because of its location within the six-mile radius of the Sentinel power plant, 100% of
funds are being requested from the "close proximity" funding category. Financial energy
efficiency incentives from third party sources may be available for the project that could reduce
overall costs from those requested. If still in place at the time the grant is awarded, these cost
savings will be disclosed to AQMD staff and implemented before grant funding is provided to
the City.
The City will issue a Request for Proposals from a variety of local solar array vendors and will
work closely with the selected firm to install and make operational solar panels at the Desert
Highland Unity Center,
B. Project Description
The James O. Jessie Desert Highland
Unity Center is located at 480
Tramview Road. The 12,844 square
foot, City-owned complex is managed
by the City's Parks and Recreation
Department. The Unity Center has Y
been providing valuable community
services to residents of northern Palm =
T
Springs since 1976 and plays a vital
role in the social and economic lives of
many families living in the 6-mile
radius of the Sentinel plant. The center
serves hundreds of individuals weekly,
and management indicates that 99% of Desert Highland Unity Center
participants are, low- to moderate-
income residents.13 A wide range of community programs and special events are offered at the
Center, including early childhood literacy and adult computer education classes, kids' clubs,
sporting events, holiday parties, and seasonal carnivals. The site also offers numerous support
13 Jarvis Crawford,Community Center Manager,May 17,2012.
22
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
programs for disadvantaged children and families, including holiday toy give-aways, student
backpack give-aways, and a summer
MLMB free lunch program for youth which is
administered in partnership with the
f Palm Springs Unified School District.
The Center is designated as one of 22
I+ county-wide "Cool Centers" through
Riverside County's Community Action
Partnership. When a heat warning is
issued by the County Health
Department, the Center serves as a
drop-in site for the public, particularly
vulnerable individuals such as the
Desert Highland Unity Center elderly and disabled, who are in need
of relief from the heat.
The proposed project consists of the installation of a grid-tied, roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV)
power array. The City will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit bids from local (within
the Coachella Valley) solar PV providers and award a contract. Together with its contractor, the
City will determine the most effective solar PV system parameters for this particular building
and site. A range of product options are available, as described in the "Technologies to be
Implemented" section below
In 2010, renovations were made to the facility to improve its energy-efficiency and
sustainability, including the installation of low-flow toilets, energy-efficient air conditioning
units, rooftop evaporative coolers, T-8 lighting, and Energy Star kitchen appliances. Additional
improvements included the installation of ADA-compliant play equipment and mural restoration.
The $200,000 improvements were funded by a combination of sources, including a U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Block Grant and funds provided by the Palm
Springs Public Arts Commission, Measure Y, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Charitable Grant Program. The grant funding sought through this grant request will continue to
expand on the energy efficiency measures initiated by those programs.
23
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
1. Technologies to be Implemented
A typical solar PV array consists of pre-assembled PV modules (monocrystalline or
polycrystalline), module cabling (on the direct current side), an inverter which converts direct
current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, a connection to the broader
electricity network ("grid"), mounting equipment, and optional batteries for energy storage or
backup power in case of power interruptions. The PV system will be interconnected to the local
Southern California Edison electricity grid. Systems are designed to over-produce during
daylight hours, and energy surpluses generated during the day are fed into the grid; during the
evening hours, electricity`credits" are returned to the meter for cost savings.
In 2011, the Desert Highland Unity Center consumed approximately 85,320 kWh of electricity
for heating, cooling, lighting, and electronics such as computers, printers, and other equipment.
The proposed solar PV array is expected to provide 100% of the facility's future annual energy
demand. Solar PV vendors in the Coachella Valley have provided anticipated product
requirements and specifications for a system capable of providing this level of electricity. Their
recommendations are provided in the table below.
Table 14
Desert Highland Unity Center
Solar PV S stem—Preliminary Product Specifications
Total System % of Energy
Size* Panels Inverters Recovered
Option 1 56 KW-DC Power Quantity: 224 Quantity: 224 106%
(STC) LG Electronics Solar Cell Enphase Energy
47.739 KW-AC Division Model: Model: M215-
Power(CEC size) LG250S1C-G2, 250W 60-2LL-S22
Monocr stalline module
Option 2 44.6 KW-DC Quantity: 210 102%
Power Schuco Solar, MPE 260 ---
MS 08
Option 3 60.27 kW Quantity: 246
Power Mae 245 waft
*size needed to produce enough electricity to offset annual electricity use
--=information not provided.
Source:preliminary estimates provided by local contractors
2. Projected Emissions Reductions
By producing a minimum of 100% of the Unity Center's electricity demand from solar
resources, the proposed PV array will eliminate its consumption of coal and gas-fired energy
generated by local/regional power plants.
24
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Emission reductions were estimated for this project using the Clean Air and Climate Protection
(CACP) Software, Version 1.1 developed by Torrie Smith Associates, with support from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (1CLEI), State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators
(STAPPA), and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officers(ALAPCO).
To quantify emission reductions resulting from implementation of the rooftop solar at the Desert
Highland Unity Center, it was assumed that 85,320 kWh generated by an average electricity grid
mix representative of NERC (North American Electricity Reliability Council) region 13 was
replaced by 85,320 kWh generated by"green electricity."
The following table provides the annual emissions reduction of criteria pollutants and
greenhouse gases that will result from implementation of solar panels at the Unity Center. Output
tables are also provided in Appendix B.
Table 15
Desert Highland Unity Center
Emission Reduction Estimates
From Proposed Solar PV Installation Project
Reductions ounds er year
CO2e CO VOC NOx Sox PMm
88,198 51 6 1 81 50 36
Sources:Clean Air Climate Protection Software.and City data based on 2011 energy demands of Unity Center.
1 Reduction is from the CACP software assuming the replacement of the average electricity grid mix with"Green"
electricity.Assumes PV system generates a minimum of 100%of facility energy needs.
3. Secondary Benefits
The Desert Highland Unity Center is designated through the Riverside County Community
Action Partnership as one of 22 county-wide "Cool Centers" for public use during extreme
summer heat conditions. As such, it can be expected to rely heavily on air-conditioning, fans,
and other cooling equipment to support hundreds of residents during the summer months. Use of
the proposed solar PV array at the Center will reduce the amount of electric power demanded
from local and/or regional power plants, particularly during heavily used summer months, and
will help the facility fulfill its critical public health and safety responsibilities during these times.
This reduction represents an incremental contribution to local and regional reductions in the use
of and reliance on coal, gas, and other non-renewable resources. More specifically, the use of
solar power at this site will ease the pressure currently experienced by SCE's upper Coachella
Valley power grid,which is overloaded beyond its capacity and being reconfigured.14
14htto://www sce.com/Powe=dEnvroament/Transmission/ProjectsbyCourtty/RiversideCountv/DeversMirageldefau
It�r accessed April 23,2012.
25
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
A reduction in criteria pollutants emissions will contribute to an incremental improvement in
local and regional public health. A rooftop system could potentially increase the roof life by
protecting the roof from direct sun exposure. In addition, the PV system will shade the roof,
thereby cooling it down and reducing the maximum surface temperature.
Installation and utilization of the proposed PV system at the Desert Highland Unity Center will
result in direct cost savings to the City. In 2011, the annual energy demand for the Center was
85,320 kWh for heating and cooling, lighting, and electronics, such as computers, printers, and
other equipment. The proposed PV system would recover ±100% of the energy demand
generated by the Center, representing an annual savings of$14,419 to the City. These dollars
will be available for other public programs and improvements. Installation of the PV system is
also expected to increase the value of the property.
4. Estimated Job Creation
Solar energy can be an effective economic development driver as it employs a wide range of
workers, many of which are skilled and/or high-tech positions requiring advanced education,
training, or certification.
Direct Employment
It is anticipated that construction of the Desert Highland Unity Center solar array will result in
the direct employment of 6 solar vendor employees, including 2 solar engineering consultants for
project design,planning and supervision, and 4 PV system installers. Since the City is committed
to selecting a local Coachella Valley vendor, it is expected that all 6 solar vendor employees will
be local residents. Project administration and oversight will also require the time and skills of 4
City employees in the Public Works Department who are local Coachella Valley residents.
Indirect Employment,
Although not quantifiable, project buildout will also indirectly contribute to the employment of
other individuals in the solar technology industry. The project will increase the demand for solar
panels, associated hardware, and ongoing maintenance services, thereby providing work
opportunities for equipment engineers and assemblers, truck drivers and construction equipment
operators, and roofers and mechanical technicians. While some of these individuals, such as
roofers and service technicians, may live locally, it is likely that others such as assemblers live
outside the region.
Ecconomic Multipliers
Buildout of the Unity-Center's solar array will not only generate project-related jobs, but will
also result in a spending "multiplier effect" in the community and region. The economic
multiplier effect occurs when a worker's disposable income is spent on local goods and services,
such as food, housing, and clothing, and then"trickles down"throughout the economy.
26
City of Palm Springs
AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund Proposal
Economic analysis often considers a multiplier of 2.5 in assessing the potential benefits
associated with indirect expenditures; that is to say that every dollar spent results in actual
spending of$2.50 because of the "domino" effect of additional revenue. Average rates for solar
engineers/designers in the Coachella Valley are $89/hour, and it is anticipated that project design
will require a total of 350 hours of engineering time. This equates to $31,350 in engineering
salaries. Hourly wages for solar installers in the Coachella Valley are $40/hour. It is anticipated
that a total of 480 hours will be needed for installation of the Unity Center solar array, resulting
in payment of $19,200 to solar installers. Total payments to solar vendors, therefore, are
estimated at $50,550. If 20% of these salaries, or $10,110, is expendable income spent on goods
and services throughout the Coachella Valley, a multiplier of 2.5 means that $25,275 will be
recycled through the local and regional economies.
Increased spending and demand for services and goods could also translate into more local jobs.
Based on an analysis of economic data for the Coachella Valley, the region's base employment
multiplier is 1.7.15 This means that for every new job created in the region, 0.7 additional jobs
will be generated indirectly as "new" money is spent in the economy. As the Unity Center solar
project is expected to directly employ 6 solar vendor personnel, this could translate into the
creation of 4.2 new jobs in the community.
C. Statement of Work
To complete the proposed project, the City Public Works Department will initiate a Request for
Proposals (RFP) process to solicit bids from multiple local and regional (within the Coachella
Valley) solar array providers. The Department will work closely with the selected provider to
assure cost-effective and efficient installation and operation of the solar array system at the
Desert Highland Unity Center. Public Works will provide ongoing management and oversight of
the project, as well as routine and final inspections of all work products. The resulting solar PV
system will be connected to the larger regional power grid operated by SCE.
15"Coachella Valley Economic Blueprint,"prepared by Market Street Services,Inc.for Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership,2008.
27