Solar at WHOI

In addition to off-site solar shares projects, WHOI has been working with our energy consulting firm to investigate rooftop and car-port solar options.  Keep in mind however, that because of WHOI’s unique science-centric mission, utilizing rooftops must be strategically analyzed over the long term for anticipatory operational changes.  For example, several of our laboratory buildings have rooftops filled with HVAC equipment to support the work within the building and unfortunately, our warehouse roofs are not structurally capable of the additional loading from a solar array.

As you are aware, WHOI is a non-profit organization and thus doesn’t qualify for the federal and state (MA DOER) solar tax incentives offered to state universities and for-profit businesses, institutions and home owners. It’s difficult to frame a financial structure for solar when we don’t qualify for the 30% discount offered under the current solar programs.  The anticipated SMART program, the new Massachusetts solar incentive program commencing 2018, although offering slightly reduced financial incentives, still doesn’t benefit institutions of non-profit status. Thus, WHOI would need to enter into Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) with for-profit solar vendors. The PPA’s offer small financial savings to WHOI but not to the same level we see with energy efficiency projects. WHOI continues to work with our consultants to identify an on-site solar system that has financial benefits needed to move forward.

WHOI’s Facility Office is also considering a sizable cogeneration project at the central plant.  Also known as Combined Power + Heat (CHP), it is an energy alternative that could decrease WHOI’s energy consumption by 500 kw (Clark Lab’s average energy load). WHOI has completed a technical review of electric and thermal load profiles and is now working through the rebate and cost estimate process to determine if the project is financially feasible.

Of course, the cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy not used.  WHOI has completed several large and small energy reduction projects funded through rebate programs and our capital improvement process.  All these projects help to reduce WHOI’s energy demands.  We are committed to investigating additional energy reductions, efficiency projects, and renewable assets as a means to improve our energy portfolio.  Our goal is to decrease energy costs on campus, improve efficiencies, and increase alternatives to fossil fuel energy sources.