UC Los Angeles Campus & Medical Center Strategic Energy Plan ...

7. RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
7.1 Technologies
Sustainable energy sources are available in many types and forms, including photovoltaics, fuel
cells, and wind power. The use of direct solar heating as an alternative energy source is
discussed under Section 8 of this report.
Fuel cell infrastructure and operational requirements typically give this type of generation project
an unacceptably long payback, unless the cell was designed to be installed as part of curriculum
or research requirements. As such, fuel cell use was discounted. Additionally, wind patterns in
and around the buildings at the campus were not conducive to a reliable pattern that could
sustain sufficient power generation to make a wind power project viable.
Photovoltaic sources were identified as the most cost-effective and readily available means of
sustainable energy. The remaining evaluation of sustainable energy on campus is focused on
this technology. The most efficient, least intrusive form of this technology is a relatively flat, nonpenetrating
array mounted on a rooftop or parking structure canopy. This resource is available
from several sources around the globe, and is not considered proprietary. Available square
footage for power production assumes maximum exposure at a low angle of incidence, along
with regular access and maintenance of the equipment. Due to the potential for substantial
variance in the availability of incentives and funding for installation due to existing public utility
agreements, third-party power contracts, and the potential for existing renewable resources
already in use at the campus, no incentives are included to offset construction costs.
7.2 Existing Renewable Sources
UC Los Angeles currently procures approximately 8% of its natural gas consumed by the
cogeneration plant from a landfill source. No other major renewable energy sources are on
campus.
7.2.1 Potential Projects
The University’s cost of Power Purchase Agreement photovoltaic power used in this report is
assumed to be $0.02/kWh above available retail power for the first 1 MW of photovoltaic power,
assuming the third party receives the utility incentives, tax credits and so on. The University’s
cost of PPA PV power for all capacity beyond the first 1 MW is assumed to be $0.04/kWh above
available retail power for IOU customers. It is assumed that the campus will have access to the
Renewable Energy Credits associated with this power, at least in time for the 2014 and 2020
target dates.
The study identified a total photovoltaic potential of 5 MW of system capacity at an estimated
construction cost of $47.3M. System locations and details are listed in the table below. Based
on the California Energy Commission’s Clean Power Estimator tool, the annual output of the
system is estimated at 6,950,118 kWh.
2413.01/Reports/UC SEP Draft Report – UCLA.doc 7-1 December 31, 2008
Newcomb | Anderson | McCormick