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 large real estate operator across Australia. They had a 930kW Solar PV array installed on the roof of one of their commercial assets and engaged Ecovantage to undertake a project to create Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates for the measured energy savings.
Project Summary.
Ecovantage was engaged by the client following the installation of two large solar arrays, with a combined capacity of approximately 930kW. The project was to measure the grid energy savings achieved through installing a solar PV system, and generate the corresponding number of energy efficiency certificates. Project Lead, Arlen East, oversaw this Measurement & Verification project, with energy use prior to- and post-installation verified and the savings translated into Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). Not satisfied with the model developed using the initial measurement period, Arlen proposed a second verification period to better reflect the actual site energy usage and therefore the savings that were achieved. The new energy model reflected this and resulted in an additional 370 VEECs being created for the project, further offsetting the client’s out of pocket project costs.
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Technology Solar PV |
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System Size 930kW |
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Measurement period 12 & 24 Months |
Savings Summary.
930kW Solar
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Baseline annual energy usage 6,600 MWh |
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Operating annual energy use 5,400 MWh |
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First year energy savings First measure: 1,150 MWh Second measure: 1,200 MWh |
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Projected 10 year energy savings First measure: 11,300 MWh Second measure: 12,000 MWh |
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Baseline energy savings 18% |
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VEEC certificate value $585,000 |
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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- Cooling Degree Days (CDD)
- Solar exposure (MJ/m2) obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology
- Opening hours
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. 9,500 Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the client, reducing the payback period significantly.
Project Takeaways.
The VEU allows for up to three impact reports to be submitted and create VEECs for a project. This allows for some adjustment of the measurement period to ensure the actual energy savings are being reflected.
It is important to have confidence that your M&V specialist understands your business and energy profile, and can identify when a measurement period is not reflective of actual site and operating conditions. A proactive approach from a reputable M&V Professional can make a significant impact on a project’s outcome.
Video: How Does M&V Work?
See more information about Ecovantage’s Energy Audit and NABERS Ratings services.
