Project Overview
A leading public university—recognized nationally for its sustainability leadership and numerous environmental awards—sought to take the next step in its clean energy journey. After a competitive selection process, OnSite Partners was chosen to design, construct, and ultimately own and operate a 7.2 MW-DC solar array paired with a 1.5 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Through a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the university purchases approximately 10% of its annual electricity needs from the solar array. OnSite Partners is responsible for all aspects of system maintenance and long-term performance, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy solution without requiring upfront capital investment from the university.
The Challenge
The university approaches sustainability through the interconnected lenses of social, environmental, and economic impact. While it had successfully implemented multiple energy projects that lowered overall spend, achieving continued progress toward carbon and cost reduction goals was becoming increasingly challenging.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) were identified as a strategic complement to enhance the project’s economics and provide additional operational flexibility. However, integrating BESS with a large-scale solar project required an experienced partner capable of navigating the technical, regulatory, and financial complexities inherent in such systems.
The Solution
The university’s new system generates roughly 8,500 MWh of clean, renewable electricity annually, meeting about 10% of total campus demand. All power generated is consumed on-site, with no export to the external grid, thereby reducing local grid stress and improving overall reliability.
The 1.54 MW / 1.725 MWh BESS provides additional economic and grid stability benefits by participating in regional Fast Frequency Response (Regulation D) programs. The system rapidly charges or discharges in response to grid signals, improving power quality and earning performance-based incentives.
Under the 30-year PPA, OnSite Partners assumes all capital and operating costs, while the university purchases the renewable energy produced. This structure allows the institution to advance its sustainability goals without capital constraints—demonstrating financial prudence alongside environmental responsibility.
Despite facing external challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, solar module import moratoriums, supply chain disruptions, special easement negotiations, and even a Supreme Court ruling, OnSite Partners successfully navigated each obstacle to deliver the project on schedule and in full compliance.
Environmental Enhancements
To further support campus biodiversity and reduce operational impacts, Native Pollinator habitats are planned across the array site. These plantings will:
- Reduce stormwater runoff
- Decrease mowing and fuel-related CO₂ emissions
- Support healthy populations of birds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators
Additionally, both the solar array and BESS are designed with future scalability in mind, allowing the university to expand capacity as campus energy demand grows.
Key Results
- 7.2 MW-DC solar array + 1.5 MW BESS
- ~8,500 MWh/year of renewable generation
- 10% of campus electricity demand met
- 30-year PPA requiring zero upfront capital
- Enhanced grid stability and financial performance
- Biodiversity and sustainability benefits through native pollinator integration