Page 179 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

SPECIAL NOTE 155

the owner must fully appreciate the importance of the collective effort of experts and
the collaborative effort required in preparation of specifications and RFP documents.
Prior knowledge of specification and evaluation points (outlined earlier) would pre-
pare owners to evaluate comparative-value advantages among PPA providers.

CONCLUSION
Even though the initial investment in a solar power cogeneration system requires
a large capital investment, the long-term financial and ecologic advantages are so
significant that their deployment in the existing project should be given special con-
sideration. A solar power cogeneration system, if applied based on the recommendations
reviewed here, will provide considerable energy expenditure savings over the lifespan
of the recreation facility and provide a hedge against unavoidable energy cost escalation.

Special Note

In view of the depletion of existing CEC rebate funds, it is recommended that appli-
cations for the rebate program be initiated at the earliest possible time. Furthermore,
because of the design integration of the solar power system with the service grid, the
decision to proceed with the program must be made at the commencement of the con-
struction design document stage.