Solar


Montgomery County (“County”) Government is committed to creating a more vibrant, healthy, prosperous and sustainable community. The County’s 2009 Climate Protection Plan and 2010 Green Economy Plan both identify deployment of clean energy systems as a priority of the County’s climate and energy goals. Montgomery County is launching an effort to identify and install solar photovoltaic systems at Montgomery County facilities.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (“Department” or “DOT”) is issuing this Request for Energy Proposals (“RFEP”) to solicit proposals from qualified solar electric power (“photovoltaic” or “PV”) project developers (“Solar Provider(s)” or “Providers”) interested in the development of over 3.5 MW of on-site solar electric power generation systems (“solar power” or “Systems”) on twelve (12) municipal parking garages. To provide best value to the County, various financing options are sought so that the Department can select from appropriate choices including, but not limited to direct purchase, power purchase agreement (“PPA”) and other cost-effective options that create net cost savings to DOT. The Department intends to purchase the Systems OR all electricity generated by the Systems on an annual basis, including the associated Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (“SREC”). The County will consider selling SRECs for a limited period to help offset system cost. This project will provide the County with the following benefits:

  1. Reduce transaction costs, financing and administrative time across a portfolio of facilities;
  2. Achieve competitive contract terms (buyout options, performance guarantees, termination options, etc.) compared to similar projects;
  3. Accelerate financing and deployment of solar energy projects;
  4. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with operations; and
  5. Promote local economic activity and job growth.