Harnessing the Sun to Power the Canal Road Treatment Plant at New Jersey American Water

Abstract

To better control the escalating cost of electric power generation
at its Canal Road Treatment Plant, New Jersey American Water (NJAW)
decided to implement an environmentally friendly solution. The instal-
lation of a 500 kW dc solar photovoltaic energy plant allows NJAW to
achieve strong financial results, while providing clean, reliable, and cost
saving energy to the bene fit of our customers and stakeholders.
All of the power generated from this dual array ground-mounted
system is utilized on site without exporting to the electrical grid. About
15% of the peak usage of the treatment plant is now supplemented by
the system, reducing the amount of electricity that must be purchased
from outside energy suppliers. Additionally, energy is produced at times
of peak loading on the grid, decreasing stress on the grid, while creating
the most valuable energy in a time-of-day rate environment.
In addition to energy savings, the system produces a new yearly
revenue stream for the company via the sale of tradable solar-specific
renewable energy credits that electric marketers are mandated to acquire
to meet the NJ Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.
The installation of the system has had a very positive public rela-
tions bene fit by demonstrating NJAW’s commitment to preserving the
environment. This project is the largest ground-mounted system on the
east coast and demonstrates a green energy commitment that is a high priority for NJ and its governor’s environmental agenda.
This article reports on the construction of this energy plant by
NJAW and its consultant Dome-Tech Solar from conception to comple-
tion. It discusses the challenges of obtaining NJ Clean Energy rebates,
obtaining planning board approval and the alterations and changes to
the system required during the design and construction process. Most
importantly the paper will discuss the economic, environmental and
social bene fits that any company can derive from the implementation
of a similar system