See all forum discussions about Schools-2009 EAc2
 Subscribe to new posts about Schools-2009 EAc2 Post a new question aboutSchools-2009 EAc2
See LEEDuser’s guidance on Schools-2009 EAc2»
FAQs about EAc2 :

Can I really double-count onsite renewable energy in both EAc2 and EAc1?

Our PV system is being installed after the building is occupied. Is that okay?

Our project will have a PV system onsite, but it will be installed, operated, and owned by a separate entity that is paying for the system through a premium price per kWh paid by the utility, per state regulations. Is there any way to count this toward th

A biofuel-based cogenerator is being used to produce both electricity and heat (CHP). Can I consider all the energy produced, or just the electricity?

Can a backup generator qualify, if it runs on biofuels?

We have a PV array installed on our campus, under the same ownership, but not on the building or within the LEED project boundary. Can we count that toward EAc2?

Because of how our onsite PV system was financed through the utility, the project is selling the RECs associated with its solar energy production, even though we own the PV array and its power. Is there any way we can earn EAc2?

Can I pursue this credit if I am using one of the prescriptive compliance paths for EAp2/EAc1?

View answers »

Forum discussion

Schools-2009 EAc2:On-Site Renewable Energy

Annual Energy Cost Escalation

Default Avatar
Michael Trzcinski
Project Engineer
Hesnor Engineering Associates, PLLC
LEEDuser Basic Member
5 thumbs up

If a project includes a 3rd party PV system, and the electric rate increases each year after the 1st year (under the PPA), what rate must we use in calculating the dollar savings?

2
Post a reply

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.

Go premium for $15.95  »

Profile picture for user sheffer
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
4454 thumbs up

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 16:17

This calculation for LEED is typically based on the virtual rate from the energy model if you are pursuing Option 1 for EAp2/EAc1. This is based on the rate used without any escalation. Technically the PPA does not even enter into the equation as the "savings" are solely based on avoided energy cost.
Default Avatar
Michael Trzcinski
Project Engineer
Hesnor Engineering Associates, PLLC
LEEDuser Basic Member
5 thumbs up

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 16:34

We take the savings to be the net difference between the virtual rate and the rate included in the PPA, since the owner will be charged a (reduced) rate for the electricity generated by the PV. Is this not correct?

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 18:06

In PPA part of the cost that is not reflected in the rate paid is the land use agreement. The seller/owner is required to maintain land rights to allow operation, access and use of a PPA project. Use the virtual rate as suggested by Marcus Sheffer. That is the only option that, more or less, accounts for costs that are not obvious in a PPA.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 18:11

I should note, that for a recent project, certified as LEED NC GOLD, a few months ago, we used TOU (Time of use) for renewables rather than virtual rate for electricity. You should only spend the effort on figuring out TOU for on-site renewables, if you are just below the threshold to earn an additional energy efficiency point. Otherwise, claiming TOU does not make a significant difference. In the case of the project needed the extra point because the LEED review was exceptionally onerous.
Profile picture for user sheffer
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
4454 thumbs up

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 19:28

If you don't use the virtual rate you will need to make the case to the reviewer that another rate is more appropriate to your situation as Hernando suggests. If you feel that another rate is more appropriate I would suggest that you calculate it both ways and if it makes a substantial difference, justify the deviation. This way the reviewer can see the calculation based on the virtual rate and will not ask you to redo the calculation if they do not agree with your justification for another rate.

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.