ESA Renewables Commissions First Community Solar Farm in Central Florida
Summary
“The technology innovation of using Schletter micro-piles as foundations and precast concrete pads, in addition to the engineering design using a high density module with a modular canopy with long spans, has cut the construction schedule in half and minimized the risk factors in a rainy environment like Florida,” said Javier Latre Gorbe, Vice-President of Technical Operations for ESA Renewables.“Spear Point Energy proudly invested in the project due to several factors: the high quality team, construction, material, equipment and the smart way OUC structured their community solar program.The array was commissioned in October by ESA and has been acquired by Spear Point Energy; OUC has agreed to purchase the generated power from Spear Point Energy under a 25-year power purchase agreement.The solar farm is the result of many companies coming together, including Sylvester and Cockrum, ReneSola, Advanced Energy, Chint, Schletter, ESA, and Spear Point Energy.“The technology innovation of using Schletter micro-piles as foundations and precast concrete pads, in addition to the engineering design using a high density module with a modular canopy with long spans, has cut the construction schedule in half and minimized the risk factors in a rainy environment like Florida,” said Javier Latre Gorbe, Vice-President of Technical Operations for ESA Renewables.This decentralized approach provides reduced installation and BOS costs, lowers O&M costs and improves system uptime," said Jesse Batista Eastern and Latin American Sales Manager for Chint Power Systems America.“It’s humbling working with firms like ESA, which takes great pride in not only its work, but the selection process to determine which modules to use in its projects,” said Brian Armentrout, Director of Marketing for ReneSola America.The solar farm covers approximately 2.5 acres of the parking area of OUC’s Gardenia Campus and is expected to produce about 540,000 kWh annually – enough to meet the power needs of about 40 homes.Innovative projects like this allow our customers to purchase solar power without the upfront costs or hassle of installing it and with the added bonus of being able to lock in their power rate," said Byron Knibbs, OUC Vice President of Customer & Sustainable Services.“Spear Point Energy proudly invested in the project due to several factors: the high quality team, construction, material, equipment and the smart way OUC structured their community solar program.