During the discussion at the June 14, 2017 SRC meeting, staff presented several potential solar energy demonstration concepts, including using solar panels to power the Sunset Harbour fountain, geared toward teaching homeowners how they can use solar power in their daily lives. Following the discussion, the SRC passed a motion directing staff to compile a list of potential solar energy demonstration project ideas for future discussion and consideration. On September 20, the Finance and Citywide Project Committee (FCWPC) heard a presentation from a Tesla representative regarding the proposed installation of Tesla Supercharger Stations at the Pennsylvania Avenue Garage. The FCWPC members informally asked the Tesla representative to work with staff on a solar power showcase project. Based on subsequent discussions with Tesla, it appears they are already engaged in discussions with the founders of the proposed North Beach Yard on the possibility of a solar demonstration project that, if it moves forward, will have a more direct application for homeowners and greater visibility than the previously proposed Sunset Harbour Fountain.

In addition to the discussions with Tesla and the North Beach Yard, staff has identified the following potential solar energy demonstration projects: portable solar power stations; photovoltaic (PV) installation with educational monitors; solar powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations; thin film “peel and stick” installation; and, thin film integration on a building.

Portable Solar Power Stations

The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium Portable Power Station (Picture 1) can provide power to small special events while providing the public an opportunity to learn about solar energy. It has a capacity of 1,045 Wh (1.045 kWh), which is sufficient energy to run speakers, tablets, appliances, equipment and electronics such as lights, speakers, power tools, and mini refrigerators. The power station can be recharged throughout the day using the solar panels or from a regular wall outlet. The power station costs $1,299.95 and the solar panels (Boulder 100 Briefcase) cost $299.95 each. The city could purchase one power station and solar panel briefcase and leased for use in events such as Ciclovia, the Soundscape Cinema Series, and the Miami Beach Food Truck & Music Fest.

PV installation with educational monitors

The permanent installation of solar PV panels with educational kiosks is a great option for delivering a source of renewable energy, while teaching visitors about solar and providing them with real-time data. The City of Avondale (AZ) installed a 12 kW solar demonstration project on a parking structure near their library with funding from an Energy Efficient Community Block Grant (EECBG) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The solar system is connected to educational monitors located in the Avondale City Hall and Library lobbies with system performance displays (Picture 2) that demonstrate how the solar panels produce power and that explain the benefits of relying on renewable energy in their community. The project showcases solar technology and shows residents how it can be used in their homes. This type of demonstration project would be ideal for a building that attracts visitors, has a flat roof clear of shade from trees, and has space to host educational kiosks. Some potential sites in Miami Beach include City Hall and the Art Deco Welcome Center, due to their daily volume of foot traffic.

Solar powered EV charging stations

PV panels are a solution for EV charging stations that may be cost prohibitive due to a challenging grid connection. The EV ARC™ (Picture 3) can integrate the Blink station (currently under agreement with the city for EV stations) with their product. The EV ARC™ is grid independent and includes battery storage which allows for charging EVs rain or shine. This also allows for quick installation in any location which receives sunlight. The EV ARC™ has the added benefit of providing a source of emergency power during grid interruptions. Cities that have installed or are preparing to install EV ARC™ include Oakland, CA; Santa Monica, CA; and Lancaster, PA. Discussions are on-going with the Parking Department to identify potential locations where these stations may be appropriate.

Thin film “peel and stick” installation

Thin film “peel and stick” solar panels are more flexible than standard solar PV panels which facilitates installation on a multitude of roof types. Thin film panels are also less expensive than standard panels but less efficient than standard PV panels, meaning more thin film panels are required to produce the same amount of energy as standard panels. A thin film solar demonstration project would be ideal for less conventional rooftop shapes such as arched roofline. Thin film solar panels are also convenient for pavilions which have limited electricity demands or buildings with smooth roofs desiring a more discrete option for solar. Park pavilions and the Property Management building are some examples where thin film solar panels could be installed. Thin film solar panels were installed at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Eco-Discovery Center (Picture 4) where they provide up to 30 percent of the building’s energy needs. The solar installation is tied into the center’s exhibit on climate change and renewable energy and includes a display with real-time data collected from the solar panels. The project cost $235,928 to install; 62% of which was paid by the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s (FMPA) All-Requirement Project and 38% of which was paid by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

Thin film integration in a building

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are PV materials used in the construction of a building envelope and have been evolving since the 1990s. BIPV can be incorporated into the roof, windows and facades of a building. In 2005, 16 thin film solar modules were installed into the south and west-facing windows of the Neighborhood Service Center in Seattle, WA (Picture 5). The modules, RWE Schott Solar 300 W polycrystalline modules, cost about $4.03/watt. The installation also includes two SMA Sunny Boy 2500 240VAC inverters. The total cost for the thin film solar modules and the inverters was $24,762. The cells provide shading while still allowing some light to pass through and collecting solar energy. The shading provided by the cells keeps the indoors cooler and reduces the energy consumption for cooling. Some buildings that have large windows which receive considerable direct sunlight and are therefore good candidates for this type of installation include the 1755 Meridian building (higher floors only as solar passive design elements used on the lower floors would reduce the effectiveness of BIPV) and the Property Management building.