Page 291 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

258 ECONOMICS OF SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

The costing estimate reflected in Figure 9.6 represents one of the main buildings
referred to as the Water Education Museum and is a project funded by the Los Angeles
Metropolitan Water District (MWD). The solar power generation of the entire campus
is 540 W dc. Net ac power output including losses is estimated to be approximately
480 kW. At present the entire solar power generation system is paid for by the MWD;
as a result the entire power generated by the system will be used by the Water and Life
Museum, which represents approximately 70 to 75 percent of the overall electric
demand load.

Feasibility Study Report

As mentioned in Chapters 3 and 4, the key to designing a viable solar power system
begins with preparation of a feasibility report. A feasibility report is essentially a
preliminary engineering design report that is intended to inform the end user about
significant aspects of a project. The document therefore must include a thorough def-
inition of the entire project from a material and financial perspective.
A well-prepared report must inform and educate the client and provide realistic
engineering and financial projections to enable the user to weigh all aspects of a proj-
ect from start to finish. The report must include a comprehensive technical and finan-
cial analysis of all aspects of the project, including particulars of local climatic
conditions, solar power system installation alternatives, grid-integration require-
ments, electric power demand, and economic cost projection analysis. The report
must also incorporate photographs, charts, and statistical graphs to illustrate and
inform the client about the benefits of the solar power or sustainable energy system
proposed. The following is a feasibility report prepared by the author for a public
recreational facility that includes a community swimming pool, baseball and football
fields, and several tennis courts.

Valley-Wide Recreation and

Park District

901 West Esplanade Ave.
San Jacinto, CA 92581
Subject: Solar power preliminary study for Diamond Valley Lake Aquatic Facility,
Community Building, Hemet, California
December 14, 2004

Dear Sirs,
The following solar power feasibility study reflects analysis of alternate approaches to
grid-connected solar power cogeneration for the Diamond Valley Lake Aquatic Facility.
The solar photovoltaic systems proposed are intended to provide a comprehensive electric