Existing PV on previously certified project

I don't think that sounds appropriate for the existing building and renewable energy equipment to be dedicated to the new building after the fact unless you had some documentation in place from before. Even it if was over the capacity thresholds for the credit, it is difficult to know all possible ways that it was reviewed before, and if it was constructed with that project and documented in other ways with that project, my first thought is that it should remain as part of the original project.

The new building would be modeled according to its own merits for Optimize Energy. One angle that might make sense though, if the original project has a central plant that is powered by the PV installation, and now exports chilled water or power to the new building, maybe there could be Optimize Energy credit taken in the form of a plant that produces low cost energy, but not Renewable Energy credit directly. 

I hope that makes sense, I don't have knowledge of any precedent in this situation, maybe someone else can chime in if they do. My advice may not be applicable if the new building is stand alone then I think it would be a challenge to take any assistance from the prior project.

It sounds like the full output of that PV array has already been allocated by default to the previous project, so you can't claim any of it for a new one.

But forget the rules - where is the environmental benefit in doing what you describe? 

If you can document an overproduction (current LEED building uses less energy than the PV system produces on an annual basis) you might be able to claim the excess for the new building. I assume that that overproduction goes to the grid now?

I highly doubt that the proximity to the PV array was the deciding factor in the location of the project.

What you describe are the rules that allow projects to claim benefits where none exists. As I said forget the rules. You are right the benefit is similar. None of those scenarios produce additional environmental benefit either. See the concept of additionality as it relates to renewable energy projects.

I have a similar question for my project. Part of our LEED project boundary includes existing solar PV arrays, where there is scope for the design-build project team to update the existing solar PV panel inverters in an effort to improve their energy production. Would our project be able to count the contribution of these modifications, in addition to the new solar PV panels that will be designed and installed?

Yes. Make sure you provide a thorough explanation along with the name and project number of the other LEED project so it is clear how much production has been allocated to each project.

Hi All,

We have a previously certified project without renewable energy credit. The owner later on decided to install PV. Now, we design an building extension to apply for LEED certification. My question is that can we claim the existing PV for this new extension?

Thank you very much,

Tom

Yes if the PV production has not been assigned to another LEED project it can be allocated to this one.

hi All, 

I have a project pursuing certification under v3. We are taking credit for the existing PV for the Optimize Energy credit, but not the renewable energy credit. The project has submited letters explaining the allocation of PV systems and calculations. however, we have received a mid review clarification requesting us to provide commissioning reports for the existing PV systems. Does anyone have any feedback on how to approach and respond to the comment? The PV systems were built long time ago, and I am afraid that we will not be able to find the reports within 10 days.

Thanks

Madhura

If the timeframe is the problem just ask for an extension.