Engineering Excellence: Your Complete Energy Solution Partner

I. Introduction

In today’s complex energy landscape, standalone solutions rarely deliver optimal results. At Solar Dev, our APEGA-certified engineering team takes a comprehensive approach to energy optimization, integrating multiple technologies and strategies to maximize your return on investment. Our holistic methodology combines cutting-edge technology with practical engineering solutions to deliver measurable results for our clients.

II. Technical Services Overview

Our integrated service portfolio includes:

• Power Factor Correction Engineering
• Solar System Design and Implementation
• EV Charging Infrastructure
• Energy Management Systems
• Utility Bill Analysis and Optimization
• Comprehensive Energy Audits
• Implementation and Project Management

III. Detailed Service Descriptions

1. Power Factor Correction Engineering

Assessment Phase

• Hourly Date Review: Review of hourly power consumption and demand to determine if this process is required.
• Power Quality Monitoring: Installation of advanced monitoring equipment that tracks your electrical system’s performance in real-time, measuring voltage, current, and power relationships.
• True Power (kW) Measurement: Analyzing the actual power being consumed by your equipment to establish baseline energy usage patterns.
• Apparent Power (kVA) Analysis: Evaluating the total power supplied by the utility, including both useful and reactive power components.
• Reactive Power (kVAR) Calculation: Determining the amount of non-productive power in your system that leads to increased utility bills.
• Harmonic Distortion Evaluation: Measuring power quality issues that can affect equipment performance and lifespan.

Solution Design

• Capacitor Bank Sizing: Engineering calculations to determine the optimal capacitor bank size needed to correct your power factor to utility requirements.
• Harmonic Filter Requirements: Designing filtering solutions to protect your equipment from harmful harmonic distortions.
• Controller Specifications: Selecting and programming automated controllers that adjust power factor correction in real-time.
• Protection System Design: Engineering overcurrent and overvoltage protection systems to ensure safe operation.
• Installation Location Optimization: Determining the most effective placement for power factor correction equipment within your electrical system.

2. Solar System Engineering

Site Assessment

• Roof Structural Analysis: Detailed evaluation of your building’s structural capacity to support solar panels, including load calculations and reinforcement recommendations.
• Solar Resource Evaluation: Advanced modeling of your site’s solar potential using satellite data and local weather patterns.
  • Shading Analysis using photogrammetry: High-precision 3D modeling to identify shadows from nearby structures and equipment.
• Electrical Service Capacity: Comprehensive review of your existing electrical infrastructure.
• Mounting System Optimization: Engineering analysis to select the most appropriate mounting system.

System Design

• Array Layout and String Sizing: Precise calculations for optimal panel placement and electrical configuration.
• Inverter Selection: Analysis of various inverter technologies based on specific needs.
• Production Modeling: Detailed energy production forecasts using PVsyst software.
• DC/AC Ratio Optimization: Engineering calculations for maximum system efficiency.
• Protection System Design: Comprehensive safety system design meeting all codes.

3. EV Charging Infrastructure

Load Analysis

• Current Capacity Assessment: Detailed evaluation of your existing electrical infrastructure’s ability to support EV charging loads without overloading.
• Future Demand Projections: Analysis of expected EV adoption rates and charging patterns to size infrastructure for future needs.
• Load Management Strategies: Development of smart charging protocols to prevent peak demand spikes and optimize charging schedules.
• Power Quality Requirements: Assessment of power quality needs for various charging levels and vehicle types.
• Backup Power Needs: Evaluation of critical charging requirements and design of backup power systems if needed.

Charging System Design

• Equipment Specification: Selection of appropriate charging equipment based on usage patterns, vehicle types, and user needs.
• Power Distribution Planning: Design of electrical distribution systems to support multiple charging stations efficiently.
• Communication Infrastructure: Implementation of networking systems for payment processing, user authentication, and remote management.
• Load Balancing Systems: Design of intelligent power management systems to distribute available power among multiple charging stations.
• Smart Charging Integration: Implementation of advanced charging algorithms that respond to time-of-use rates and demand charges.

4. Energy Management Systems

Monitoring Systems

• Real-time Data Collection: Implementation of advanced sensors and meters that capture energy usage data every 15 minutes or less.
• Power Quality Analysis: Continuous monitoring of voltage levels, harmonics, and power factor.
• Energy Consumption Tracking: Detailed sub-metering systems that break down energy usage by department or process.
• Peak Demand Monitoring: Real-time tracking of power demand with predictive alerts.
• Performance Metrics: Custom dashboard development showing KPIs and energy usage trends.

Control Systems

• Automated Load Management: Smart systems that automatically adjust equipment operation to minimize peak demand.
• Peak Demand Limiting: Sophisticated algorithms that predict and prevent demand spikes.
• Temperature Optimization: Advanced HVAC control strategies using occupancy data and weather forecasts.
• Lighting Control: Intelligent lighting systems that adjust based on occupancy and daylight levels.
• Equipment Scheduling: Automated scheduling of equipment operation during off-peak rate periods.

5. Utility Bill Analysis

Rate Structure Analysis

• Tariff Comparison: Comprehensive evaluation of available utility rate structures.
• Time-of-use Optimization: Analysis of operational schedules against time-of-use rates.
• Demand Charge Review: Detailed examination of demand charges for reduction opportunities.
• Power Factor Penalties: Assessment of power factor penalties and correction measures.
• Available Rider Programs: Investigation of utility incentive programs and special rate riders.

Consumption Analysis

• Historical Usage Patterns: Multi-year analysis of energy consumption trends.
• Peak Demand Tracking: Detailed tracking of peak demand events and causes.
• Load Factor Calculation: Analysis of load factor to optimize consumption patterns.
• Seasonal Variations: Examination of seasonal energy usage patterns.
• Cost per Square Foot Metrics: Benchmarking of energy costs against industry standards.

IV. Implementation Process

Planning Phase

• Scope Definition: Detailed documentation of project objectives and requirements.
• Budget Development: Comprehensive cost analysis including equipment and labor.
• Timeline Creation: Detailed project scheduling using critical path methodology.
• Resource Allocation: Strategic assignment of engineering teams and contractors.
• Risk Assessment: Thorough analysis of potential project risks and mitigation strategies.

Design Phase

• Detailed Engineering: Complete electrical, mechanical, and structural designs.
• Equipment Specification: Precise technical specifications for all system components.
• Integration Planning: Strategy for integrating new systems with existing infrastructure.
• Compliance Review: Review of all applicable codes and regulations.
• Documentation Preparation: Development of complete technical documentation.

V. ROI Analysis & Case Studies

1. Power Factor Correction

Investment Analysis:

• Initial Investment Range: $15,000 – $50,000 (facility size dependent)
• Annual Savings:
  • Power factor penalty elimination: $5,000 – $15,000/year
  • Reduced distribution losses: 2-3% of total energy costs
  • Extended equipment life: $2,000 – $5,000/year in reduced maintenance
• Typical Payback Period: 1.5 – 3 years
• ROI: 30-40% annually

Case Study Example: 100,000 sq ft manufacturing facility:

• Initial power factor: 0.82 (8% penalty on bill)
• After correction to 0.95: $16,000 annual penalty eliminated
• Additional savings from reduced losses: $4,000/year
• Total annual savings: $20,000
• System cost: $35,000
• Payback period: 1.75 years

2. Solar System Installation

Investment Metrics:

• Initial Investment: $1.50 – $1.75/watt commercial scale
• Annual Energy Production: 1,000-1,200 kWh per kW installed
• Energy Cost Offset: 30-100% of electricity bills
• System Life: 25-30 years
• ROI: 12-15% annually

Case Study Example: 100kW commercial system:

• Installation cost: $150,000 ($1.50/watt)
• Annual production: 110,000 kWh (1,100 kWh/kW average in Alberta)
• Energy savings at $0.14/kWh: $15,400/year
• Additional demand reduction: $3,000/year
• Total annual savings: $18,400/year
• Simple payback: 8.2 years
• 25-year ROI: 307%
• First-year ROI: 12.3%
• Additional benefits:
  • CCA tax write-off class 43.2 (100% first year)
  • Reduced carbon tax exposure
  • Protection against future utility rate increases
  • Enhanced property value

3. EV Charging Infrastructure

Investment Analysis:

• Initial Cost: $8,000 – $15,000 per Level 2 charger
• Revenue Potential: $200 – $400/month per charger
• Operating Costs: $50 – $100/month per charger
• Typical Payback: 3-5 years
• ROI: 20-25% annually

Case Study Example: 5-charger installation:

• Installation cost: $60,000
• Annual revenue: $18,000
• Operating costs: $3,600
• Net annual income: $14,400
• Payback period: 4.2 years

4. Energy Management Systems

Investment Analysis:

• Initial Investment: $0.50 – $2.00 per square foot
• Energy Savings: 10-30% of total energy costs
• Peak Demand Reduction: 15-25% of demand charges
• Maintenance Savings: 5-15% of maintenance budget
• ROI: 35-50% annually

Case Study Example: 50,000 sq ft facility:

• System cost: $75,000
• Annual energy costs before: $150,000
• Energy savings (20%): $30,000
• Demand charge reduction: $12,000
• Maintenance savings: $5,000
• Total annual savings: $47,000
• Payback period: 1.6 years

VI. ASHRAE Energy Audit Details

Level 1 – Walk-Through Analysis

• Visual Inspection: Systematic examination of energy-consuming systems
• Utility Review: Analysis of 12-36 months of utility bills
• Low-Cost Measures: Immediate opportunities identification
• Preliminary Savings: High-level calculations of potential savings
• Energy Benchmarking: Basic comparison with industry standards

Level 2 – Detailed Energy Survey

• Building Analysis: In-depth examination using diagnostic tools
• Energy Calculations: Detailed energy end-use breakdown
• Financial Analysis: Comprehensive economic analysis
• Consumption Breakdown: Analysis by system type and time
• Performance Simulation: Computer modeling of building performance
• Capital Projects: Specific recommendations with cost-benefit analysis

Level 3 – Investment Grade Audit

• Detailed Engineering: Comprehensive engineering analysis
• Project Costs: Precise cost estimates from vendor quotes
• Savings Calculations: Rigorous engineering calculations
• Capital Planning: Long-term investment strategy
• Financial Options: Analysis of funding mechanisms
• Implementation Strategy: Detailed implementation planning

VII. Conclusion

Our comprehensive approach to energy engineering delivers measurable results through:

• Professional APEGA-certified engineering
• Integrated solution design
• Advanced technology implementation
• Proven ROI methodology
• Ongoing support and optimization

Contact Solar Dev today to begin your energy optimization journey with a team that understands both the technical and financial aspects of energy engineering.