Proposal for Solar Energy Database
Proposal for Solar Database Development
Austin Technology Incubator / Clean Energy Incubator
Patrick Kennedy
Lauren Bissey
Guillermo Hernandez
8/1/2012
Proposal for Solar Database Development
Purpose
This document serves to illustrate next steps for the development of the Solar Database project for future associates. In addition, it indicates particular needs that require attention as the project moves forward.
Background
The purpose of the Solar Database Development project is to consider the financial viability of aggregate sales of solar PV on commercial and industrial properties, both rooftops and parking structures, in the Austin Energy service area and to create a repeatable process for cities seeking to expand solar development. Specifically, the objective is to identify, analyze, and understand the conditions by which property stakeholders will contract for solar development on commercial rooftop, industrial rooftop, and parking structures in Austin, TX. Previous work yielded a database of Austin sites with a kW value attached to rooftop and parking structure area as well as rough notes on any complications for each site, primarily developed with the aid of McCombs School of Business. These values were generated through a polygon matching algorithm estimating rooftop area and assuming particular PV energy output.
Further development of the database of potential solar sites is needed as well as further investigation into the financial models most appropriate for property stakeholders. The three financial models currently being tested are standard lease of rooftop (or parking structure) space, power purchase agreement (PPA), and full PV system sale to the property owner. As of July 2012, a BOMA survey soliciting data for site financial terms and physical characteristics has been distributed by John Sutton.
Current Proposal
Ease of data entry, ease of access and data consistency are important as the project
Austin Technology Incubator / Clean Energy Incubator
Patrick Kennedy
Lauren Bissey
Guillermo Hernandez
8/1/2012
Proposal for Solar Database Development
Purpose
This document serves to illustrate next steps for the development of the Solar Database project for future associates. In addition, it indicates particular needs that require attention as the project moves forward.
Background
The purpose of the Solar Database Development project is to consider the financial viability of aggregate sales of solar PV on commercial and industrial properties, both rooftops and parking structures, in the Austin Energy service area and to create a repeatable process for cities seeking to expand solar development. Specifically, the objective is to identify, analyze, and understand the conditions by which property stakeholders will contract for solar development on commercial rooftop, industrial rooftop, and parking structures in Austin, TX. Previous work yielded a database of Austin sites with a kW value attached to rooftop and parking structure area as well as rough notes on any complications for each site, primarily developed with the aid of McCombs School of Business. These values were generated through a polygon matching algorithm estimating rooftop area and assuming particular PV energy output.
Further development of the database of potential solar sites is needed as well as further investigation into the financial models most appropriate for property stakeholders. The three financial models currently being tested are standard lease of rooftop (or parking structure) space, power purchase agreement (PPA), and full PV system sale to the property owner. As of July 2012, a BOMA survey soliciting data for site financial terms and physical characteristics has been distributed by John Sutton.
Current Proposal
Ease of data entry, ease of access and data consistency are important as the project