Victoria
New South Wales
South Australia
QueenslandNote: Client name and site location have been removed and figures rounded from this case study to protect sensitive information. Images shown are not of the installation and are for illustration purposes only.
Client Overview.
The client is a secondary school in greater Melbourne. They had an additional 663 kW solar PV installed across their two campuses. Ecovantage was engaged to undertake the Measurement & Verification project and turn the energy savings into Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs).
Project Summary.
Following the installation of the two solar PV systems, the client engaged Ecovantage to measure the savings and turn the savings into VEECs. Project Lead, Arlen East, oversaw this Measurement & Verification project, with energy use prior to- and post-installation verified and the savings translated into energy certificates and monetised for the client. Ecovantage verified that the energy savings were better than expected, meaning the client not only received a higher rebate than they were expecting, but also that the system is resulting in lower electricity bills. The total savings with the additional VEECs covered approximately 24% of the total project cost, reducing the payback period.
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Technology Solar PV |
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System Size 663kW |
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Measurement period 12 Months |
Savings Summary.
663kW Solar
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Baseline annual energy usage 1,800 MWh |  |
Operating annual energy use 1,180 MWh |
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First year energy savings 620 MWh |  |
Projected 10 year energy savings: 6,100 MWh |
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Baseline energy savings 35% |  |
VEEC certificate value $245,000 |
Measurement & Verification Process.
1. Develop a Baseline Energy Model
The baseline energy model was developed using historical electricity data for the NMIs that the solar was connected to.
2. Develop an Operating Energy Model
Energy use was measured for 12 months post-installation to develop an Operating Energy Model. The Energy Models were developed using site specific data including:
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- School hours – obtained from the site
- Cooling Degree Days (CDD) obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology
- Heating Degree Days (HDD) obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology
- Solar exposure (MJ/m2) obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology
3. Measure the savings & generate certificates
The Avoided Energy (measured savings) was quantified by comparing the site’s energy use before and after the installation of solar PV. Based on the verified energy savings resulting from installing solar PV, we were then able to generate and monitise approx. $250,000 worth of VEECs for the client, covering almost 25% of the project costs and reducing the payback period significantly.
Project Takeaways.
Ecovantage verified that the energy savings were better than expected, meaning the client not only received a higher rebate than they were expecting, but also that the system is resulting in lower electricity bills.
Video: How Does M&V Work?
See more information about Ecovantage’s Energy Audit and NABERS Ratings services.
