W H I T E PA P E R

SOLAR SOLUTIONS
FOR UNIVERSITIES

The design decisions behind the Maharishi

University of Management Solar Power Plant

By Eric Johnson, Amy Van Beek, and Aurelien Windenberger

Funding through Iowa Economic Development Authority & Fairfield Economic Development Association
The Fairfield Energy Storage and Demonstration Project | A Research and Technology Impact Study
DECEMBER 2018
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 CONTENTS

Executive Summary....................................................................3
System Overview........................................................................3
Active Tracking..............................................................4
Battery Energy Storage.................................................4
Communications & Control............................................4
Specifications.................................................................5
Design and Construction..........................................................5
Characteristics of a University Load Profile...........................7
How Active Tracking Works.....................................................8
Weather Stations...........................................................9
Active Tracking vs Fixed-Tilt.................................................10
Managing Overproduction with Active Tracking................11
Interconnect.................................................................11
Curtailment..................................................................11
Avoiding Overproduction...........................................11
Battery Energy Storage System.............................................12
Vanadium Flow Batteries............................................12
Peak Shaving with Battery Energy Storage Systems...........13
Ratchet Period..............................................................14
Projections...............................................................................14
Lessons Learned......................................................................15
The Unique Challenges of Universities..........................15
Overproduction............................................................15
Active Tracking & Battery Energy Storage................15

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E X E C U T I V E S U M M A RY
In this white paper we explore how Ideal Energy, Inc.
and Maharishi University of Management implemented
a solar and battery energy storage system – called the
MUM Solar Power Plant – to maximize the renewable
energy share that could be economically delivered to the
University.
In particular, we discuss the decision-making process
that led to the final design: a 1.1 megawatt (MW) solar
field using active tracking technology paired with a 1.05
megawatt-hour (MWh) vanadium flow battery energy
storage system. We also model the solar project’s output.
The University’s new solar + storage system, along with
a two smaller preexisting solar arrays and a small wind
turbine, bring the University’s renewable energy share to
approximately 43% while reducing its electric utility costs
by a projected 30%. We conclude with lessons learned
that may be applicable to other universities seeking similar
results.
S Y S T E M OV E RV I E W
Maharishi University of Management undertook this solar
plus storage project with two objectives: to achieve
the University’s renewable energy share goals, and to
significantly lower the University’s overall electricity
costs, via both energy usage reductions and peak demand
shaving.
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Achieving a high renewable energy share (RES) was
particularly important to the University. MUM has a
strong commitment to sustainability, expressed both by
its academic mission and its campus sustainability goals.
Sustainability goals include sourcing organic food,
building LEED-certified structures, and procuring at least
40% of electricity production needs from renewable
resources. In addition, the University developed the first
Sustainable Living degree in the nation close to 15 years
ago.
MUM previously installed two solar arrays – a 12.5
kilowatt (kW) array mounted on the roof of the
Sustainable Living Center and a 42 kW ground-mounted
array. The University also has a 10 kW Bergey XL 10 wind
turbine on campus.
To meet its ambitious renewable energy goals the
University needed a substantially larger array. The
University purchased a tract of land west of the main
campus with the intent of building a renewable energy
generation facility.
Ideal Energy, Inc., one of the Midwest’s premier solar
energy companies, designed and built the five acre array.
Ideal Energy, which was founded by MUM alumnus Troy
Van Beek, installed both of the University’s other solar
arrays as well as the wind turbine. Ideal Energy brings
extensive experience with solar plus battery energy
storage installations.
The cutting edge design incorporates both single axis
active tracking and battery energy storage. This is the
first system of its kind in the Midwest and among the most
technologically advanced solar installations in the United
States.
3
 M U M S O L A R P OW E R P L A N T
M AC RO - S I T E A XO N
4 2 k W I N S TA L L AT I O N
S U S TA I N A B L E L I V I N G C E N T E R S O L A R A R R AY
1 2 . 5 k W I N S TA L L AT I O N
A RG I RO C E N T E R
Figure 1. The MUM Solar Power Plant in context with MUM campus.
ACTIVE TRACKING
Active tracking can produce up to 15-20% more power
than a fixed-tilt array of comparable size. NX Flow,™
the integrated solar plus storage system by NEXTracker
used in the MUM Solar Power Plant, allows each row to
operate independently. This allows the system to optimize
solar production, and to continue functioning at close to
full capacity even if one of the motors goes down.
BAT T E RY E N E R G Y S TO R AG E
Battery energy storage works in tandem with solar
energy to reduce MUM’s energy costs by ‘peak shaving’ –
drawing power from the solar panels or batteries instead
of from the grid during peak times of day and year when
energy costs are highest. The NX Flow vanadium flow
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C A M P U S D O R M I TO R I E S
G E N E R ATO R BU I L D I N G
[ S U B S TAT I O N ]
batteries used in the project are ideal for large scale peak
shaving. The energy storage capacity and performance of
vanadium flow batteries does not degrade over time. They
can be fully discharged without damage. Because they are
mostly filled with water, they are extremely safe.
C O M M U N I C AT I O N S & C O N T R O L
The MUM Solar Power Plant uses an intelligent tracker
control system that links dozens of data collection sensors
and four weather stations with central tracker and battery
energy management systems. A predictive algorithm
integrates data from multiple sources to optimize the
performance of each row. This makes the MUM Solar
Power Plant one of the most advanced solar arrays in the
nation.
4
 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

Array Size: 1.1 megawatt (MW) array covering 5 acres

Active Tracking System: NEXTracker NX Horizon
Solar Array Nameplate Rating: 1,102 kWDC / 1,050 kWAC
Photovoltaic Modules: 3,150 REC 350 photovoltaic panels
Batteries: 35 NX Flow vanadium flow batteries (DC coupled)
Battery Storage Nameplate Rating: 350 kWAC/1050 kWh
Inverters: 35 Ideal Power Stability Multiport Power Conversion Systems
Communications: 35 self-powered controllers (SPCs), 4 network control units (NCUs), NX
Data Hub and Geli Node
Motors: 35 independent motors (1 per row)

DESIGN AND
C O N S T RU C T I O N
Construction of an active tracking solar array is more
involved than construction of a fixed-tilt array. Site
preparation has to be more precise and racking and
mounting hardware have to be more durable to handle
the stresses involved in an array that is in nearly constant
motion.
the use of permanent rivets and swaged lockbolts. The
foundation piers and the brackets that hold the solar PV
modules were riveted to the central torque tubes with
a pneumatic riveting gun. Swaged lockbolts were also
used. After the fasteners were swaged or riveted into
place, a cold galvanizing spray was applied. The result
is a permanently constructed array that can tolerate the
constant motion of an active tracking array and that does
not need periodic retightening. Permanent fasteners also
mitigate maintenance, which is an important concern with
solar arrays of this size

Preparation included making a topographical map,
conducting a site survey, and grading the site. A
geotechnical test had to be performed prior to driving the
foundation piers. Because of the topography of the site
the solar field was constructed in two sections: a standard
slope section and a high slope section. The standard slope
section has a slope tolerance of up to 5%, and the high
slope section has a slope tolerance of between 6% and
15%.
Most fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar arrays are
constructed using regular nuts and bolts. Unlike those
systems, active tracking systems are subject to more stress
because they are in motion most of the day. To prevent the
array from shaking loose over time, NEXTracker specifies
The solar field has 35 rows. Each row is about 310 feet
long. There are 90 REC 350 watt solar photovoltaic (PV)
modules, one Ideal Power 30C3 inverter, and one NX
Flow battery per row. Twelve foundation piers hold up
the central torque tube. A thirteenth pier in the middle
of each row holds a motor that rotates all of the panels
on that row. Each motor is controlled by a self-powered
controller (SPC) that communicates wirelessly with the
other SPCs as well as with several network control units
(NCUs).

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 MU M S OL A R POW ER PL AN T
S IT E A E R IA L
WIN D WE AT HE R STAT ION
SE LF -T RACKIN G SOLAR ROWS
STORM WE AT HE R STAT ION
Figure 2. Aerial view of MUM Solar Power Plant.
The batteries and inverters are positioned at the ends
of the rows adjacent to an AC electrical service trench
running along a service road. The batteries are DC
coupled, meaning they can charge directly from the solar
PV modules. DC power runs along each row from the
modules to the inverter and then can either charge the
battery without converting to AC, or be converted and
sent out to the campus grid. The benefit of a DC coupled
system is that the solar can charge the battery without the
losses associated with converting to AC power, and it also
reduces losses due to clipping.
The AC trench carries AC power running at 480 V to
five 400 amp service panels. These service panels feed
into one 1600 amp main panel. The main service panel
is connected to a step-up transformer that increases the
voltage to 4160 V. The transformer is in turn connected
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S TOR M W E AT H E R S TAT IO N
W I ND W E AT H E R S TAT I ON
S E RV I C E ROA D
BAT T E R I E S & I NV E RT E R S
E LE C T R I C A L & C OMMU NI C AT I ONS H U B
to a transfer box connected to the 4.16 kV underground
cable that runs 0.7 miles to the MUM campus switchgear
adjacent to Alliant Energy’s existing 69/4.16 kV substation.
This substation is where the grid interconnect is located.
The MUM Solar Power Plant uses inverters designed
to protect the system in case of grid disturbances.
In addition, an interconnection circuit breaker and
interconnection relay were installed at the substation to
provide anti-islanding protection. To prevent the MUM
Solar Power Plant from back feeding power to the grid,
Ideal Energy installed a reverse power relay that trips
the interconnection breaker within two seconds if the
substation breaker opens and power flows back to the
utility. This relay will prevent all power flows back to the
grid.
6
 PV SYSTEM SUMMARY

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Maharishi University of Management Ideal Energy
DRAWN BY:
2. Ideal Power 30kW Inverter 480V 36A Delta 6. Eaton 400A 480V Panelboard Main Luas
1000 N 4th St 602 N. 6th St.
Brian Robbins
3. Avalon Battery AFB2X 10.5kW 26.2kWh 600Vdc
Fairfield, IA Fairfield, IA 52556
12/3/2018
4. Transformer 1.25MW WYE/WYE 4kV High 480V Low
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MUM Drawing 01 SHEET 1

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C H A R AC T E R I S T I C S O F A approximately 1200 kW in late September. The minimum

U N I V E R S I T Y L OA D P R O F I L E load, which occurred late at night during mild weather,
was around 375 kW. The University’s annual energy
requirements were about 5.8 million kWh in 2016.

The University’s load profile is seasonal, with air

conditioning dominating in the summer months.

Due to the high peak demand charges paid by the

university, their facilities management office has managed
their loads during the summer for many years to minimize
peak demand. This managed summer peak demand is
typically in the 1400 to 1600 kW range. Winter monthly
peaks are significantly lower, usually in the 850 to 950 kW
range, though they can be as low as 750 kW.

Ideal Energy gathered data on MUM campus load in

2016 and 2017. In 2016, the summer load peaked at
approximately 1440 kW. The non-summer peak load was Figure 4. 12.5 kW solar installation at MUM.

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 MUM Hourly Electric Demand (kW)
Average and Max
1600

1400

1200

1000
Demand (kW)

800

600

400

200

0
12 AM 4 AM 8 AM 12 PM 4 PM 8 PM

Jan Jun Jan Max June Max

Figure 4. Measured campus load data, January and June 2017.

H O W AC T I V E
T R AC K I N G W O R K S

The MUM Solar Power Plant uses an intelligent tracker

control system. This cutting edge system, developed by
NEXTracker, distinguishes this solar installation from other
active tracking systems. The system is designed to allow
each row to operate independently to optimize solar
production and to continue to function in case of damage
or routine maintenance.

In addition to following the sun, each row of solar panels

acts as a data collection sensor. These sensors are
linked to one another, as well as to network control units
(NCUs), with a wireless mesh network.
Figure 5. Self-powered active tracking at MUM’s power plant.

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 M U M S O L A R P OW E R P L A N T
S E L F - P OW E R E D T R AC K I N G S Y S T E M
W I R E L E S S C O N T RO L L E R A N T E N N A E
Figure 6. NEXTracker active tracking system.
Each row is rotated by a single motor and slew drive. Each
motor is controlled by a self-powered controller (SPC)
that communicates wirelessly with an NCU. The NCUs are
connected to the network via fiber optic cable.
W E AT H E R S TAT I O N S
The solar field has four weather stations. Two are
flood and snow sensors and two are wind sensors
(anemometers). The flood and snow sensors instruct the
solar panels to stow flat during flood conditions and
to rotate 60° vertically to shed snow, if necessary. The
anemometers direct the panels to stow westward at 60°
during high wind conditions. These four weather stations
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S E L F - P OW E R E D M OTO R D R I V E
PIER
also provide instantaneous onsite weather data to the
system.
A central energy management system integrates
performance metrics from these sensors and weather
stations. A predictive algorithm uses this data to optimize
the performance of each row. Each individual row can
move independently to compensate for shading, weather
conditions, or the topography of the site in real time. This
ability makes the MUM Solar Power Plant among the most
sophisticated – and efficient – active tracking solar arrays
in the nation.
9
 M U M S O L A R P OW E R P L A N T
W E AT H E R S TAT I O N S
S TO R M W E AT H E R S TAT I O N W I N D W E AT H E R S TAT I O N
ANEMOMETER C O M M U N I C AT I O N A N T E N N A
Figure 7.Weather stations and wireless communication.
A C T I V E T R AC K I N G
VS FIXED-TILT
Single axis active tracking solar arrays can produce 15
to 20% more energy than a fixed-tilt array of the same
size. Active tracking arrays start producing earlier in the
day, hit peak production earlier in the day, and continue
producing later into the afternoon. On a graph, the peak
production window of active tracking arrays appears
wider than a fixed-tilt production profile. Therefore, in the
solar industry, we say active tracking has “wide shoulders”.
These wide shoulders offer several benefits. First, they
allow a smaller active tracking system to produce as
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S N OW S E N S O R
FA S T E N S TO L E F T S I D E O F P I E R
SOLAR PV MODULE
much energy as a larger fixed-tilt system. Second, they
extend solar production into the late afternoon. This is
important for customers with load profiles dominated by
air conditioning.
In the summer, peak outdoor temperatures usually occur
several hours after the sun reaches its zenith. In addition,
buildings heat up due to solar gain throughout the sunny
part of the day, and that stored heat continues to be
released even after the sun has set. Together, these forces
mean air conditioning loads continue to be high after the
sun is low in the sky when traditional fixed-tilt arrays no
longer produce much power. In other words, even without
a battery energy storage system, active tracking arrays
can continue producing longer into the afternoon when
cyclical daily air conditioning loads are high.
10
Without active tracking (or battery energy storage), the
University would have needed a 1300 to 1500 kW system
to achieve its goal of offsetting a third of the campus
load. In addition to a higher cost, this would have caused
significant overproduction during the middle of the day
when solar production is at its peak.
MANAGING
OV E R P RO D U C T I O N
W I T H A C T I V E T R AC K I N G
INTERCONNECT
The MUM Solar Power Plant has a non-exporting Level
III interconnection agreement with Alliant Energy, the
University’s utility. Due to Alliant Energy policy, MUM
had to choose between this type of interconnect and an
exporting Level IV interconnect. Although an exporting
interconnect would have eliminated the need to curtail
generated power, it was not the best choice for the
project. A Level IV interconnect would have required
a significantly more complex engineering study and a
lengthy approval process. The resulting delays put the
project timetable at risk – an important consideration in
light of the solar investment tax credit (ITC) which has a
significant impact on project economics.
CURTAILMENT
Because this interconnect is non-exporting, some
curtailment, or deliberate energy wastage, will be
necessary. This is not a major hardship. Most utilities only
pay the avoided cost for power sold to the grid in excess
of net metering limits. Alliant Energy’s avoided cost is
approximately $0.02-0.03 per kWh, so any energy sold
back to the grid (above net metering thresholds) would
not be particularly lucrative. However, the curtailment
requirement is an incentive to design a solar installation as
efficient as possible to avoid overproduction.
AV O I D I N G O V E R P R O D U C T I O N
Active tracking allowed the University to do two things.
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One, reduce the system size from 1300 kW to 1100 kW,
yielding less overproduction in the middle of the day. Two,
spread that production more evenly throughout the day by
widening the peak production shoulders.
Because the University’s campus load is cyclical, with
a peak demand near the 1000 kW mark during much of
the year, overproduction, and therefore curtailment,
is a significant concern. With a system sized at 1300 to
1500 kW to match the summer peak demand, the solar
array would significantly overproduce during much of the
year and the University would either need a much larger
battery or would have to curtail a significant amount of
solar energy. This is especially problematic during sunny
weekend days in winter when the campus load can be as
low as 750 kW and a 1300 kW array could produce over
1100 kW in the middle of the day.
One particular characteristic of active tracking is that most
of its increased production compared to fixed-tilt occurs in
summer. This is because active tracking arrays are oriented
east-west, while fixed-tilt arrays are usually oriented to
the south. While active tracking arrays can capture more
of the sun’s energy during the summer, they are not able
to take advantage of as much of the sun’s energy during
the winter when the sun is low in the sky (in the northern
hemisphere). Compared to a fixed-tilt array the active
tracker in the University’s system generates approximately
32% more energy in the summer and no additional energy
in the winter, for a total of about 15% more energy over
the course of the year.
This characteristic could be a detriment for some solar
customers, but for universities with seasonal load profiles
it is actually a benefit. In this case, the power generation
profile of an active tracking array matches the load
profile of the University. Because its active tracking array
is so efficient during the summer months, the University
was able to downsize its array and still meet its summer
peak demand. During the winter this smaller system size
more closely matches the lower winter peak demand. As
a result, the University was able to save upfront costs by
installing a smaller system, use active tracking to help with
peak shaving, and avoid unnecessary curtailment. (Some
curtailment will still occur.)
11
 MUM SO L AR P OWE R P L AN T
BAT T E RI E S & IN VE RT E R S
Figure 8. Battery energy storage system.
B AT T E RY E N E R G Y
STORAGE SYSTEM
The MUM Solar Power Plant features a 1.05 MWh battery
energy storage system. This system is composed of 35 DC
coupled Avalon vanadium flow batteries.
VA N A D I U M F L O W B A T T E R I E S
Vanadium flow batteries (VFBs) are a type of flow, or
redox, battery. Redox is short for reduction-oxidation, a
chemical process during which the oxidation state of atoms
is changed as electrons transfer from one type of atom to
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C O M M U NIC AT IO N A NT E NN A E
S O LA R P V M O D U LE S
BAT T E RY
INV E RT E R
another. When a chemical loses electrons, that chemical is
oxidized. When another chemical gains those electrons,
that chemical is reduced. A commonplace example of
reduction-oxidation is the burning of wood; the wood is
oxidized as electrons leave the carbon in the wood, and in
turn the oxygen in the air is reduced as those electrons are
gained by the oxygen.
A flow battery is composed of two tanks of chemicals
dissolved in liquid separated by a membrane. Energy
is harvested from the electrolyte at the carbon felt
membrane. Energy is harvested in the membrane. In
vanadium flow batteries, the chemical is vanadium and the
liquid it is dissolved in is water.
12
Vanadium flow batteries exploit an unusual property of Vanadium flow batteries are more expensive per kWh than
the metal vanadium. Vanadium, a transitional metal, has lithium ion batteries. As projects scale up in size, however,
four possible oxidation states. A VFB does not require two the benefits of VFBs outweigh the cost disadvantage.
different kinds of chemicals – just two tanks of dissolved
vanadium in different oxidation states. If the vanadium
tanks accidentally mix, there is no ill effect to the battery. P E A K S H AV I N G
W I T H B AT T E RY E N E R G Y
VFBs have other advantages, as well. They scale well
STORAGE SYSTEMS
because their energy capacity is limited only by tank size.
Vanadium is also safe and non-flammable. Perhaps best
of all, VFBs can be completely discharged without losing
capacity. This gives VFBs a long service life and allows Peak shaving cuts expensive demand charges by reducing
solar designers to use smaller batteries because these can electricity consumption during peak usage times like
discharge more of their capacity than can other battery summer afternoons. Not all utility customers have demand
types, like lithium-ion. charges, but for those that are on demand charge tariffs
these charges can be very expensive. According to the
VFBs do have several downsides. These include lower National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), demand
energy density and heavier weight compared to other charges can account for 30% to 70% of a customer’s utility
battery technologies. VFBs also require more maintenance bill.
than, for example, lithium-ion batteries. However, bulky
and heavy batteries are not a problem in large-scale solar
arrays. Regular maintenance is expected in commercial
or utility scales. The primary disadvantage of VFBs is cost.

Peak Demand Shaving Example

1600

1400

1200
Usage and Production

1000

800

600

400

200

0
7/10/2017 0:00 7/11/2017 0:00 7/12/2017 0:00 7/13/2017 0:00

Sum of Solar Production (kW) Sum of University Load (kW)

Sum of Demand After Solar (kW) Sum of Demand After Solar and Battery (kW)

Figure 9. Solar + battery energy storage peak shaving simulation. The black line represents the shaved peak.

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Even with active tracking technology the solar array
alone would not have been able to address all of MUM’s
renewable energy goals. Battery energy storage was
required to provide peak shaving. While solar arrays
alone can help alleviate demand charges, they are not
as effective as battery energy storage. Battery energy
storage systems can guarantee that no power above
a predetermined threshold will be drawn from the grid
during peak times. They can automatically detect when
power usage exceeds a pre-determined threshold and
switch from the grid or solar panels to batteries until the
additional demand is over. When demand goes back down
the batteries recharge.
R ATC H E T P E R I O D
The key to MUM’s utility savings is in Alliant Energy’s
ratchet period clause. With this ratchet clause, a
customer is charged at least 75% of its annual summer
peak every month of the year. In MUM’s case, the peak
summer load (usually in June or August) has typically
been approximately 1500 kW. This means MUM will be
charged for 1125 kW (.75 x 1500) in every month of the
year regardless of their actual monthly peak. In January,
the University may peak at 750 kW or 850 kW, but will still
be charged for 1125 kW. Thus, reducing summer peaks
can save the university significantly more than the simple
monthly demand charge.
MUM’s peak shaving goal was to reduce the summer peak
to between 900 kW and 1000 kW. If the peak hits 1000 kW
in the summer then the University will only be charged for
750 kW in the winter – which is near the University’s actual
lowest monthly winter peak. This reduction in the ratchet
period peak represents a significant part of the utility cost
savings that MUM will see from this solar project.
PROJECTIONS
Solar and battery energy storage simulations indicate that
the MUM Power Plant will shave summer ratchet peaks
from the 1400 to 1600 kW range down to the 900 to 1000
kW range. Solar generation will exceed campus demand
and battery capacity on some days, so 4-8% curtailment of
annual production is expected.

Current Monthly Peak Demand Projected Monthly Peak Demand

1,600 1600

1,400 1400
Peak Demand (kW)
Peak Demand (kW)

1,200 1200

1,000 1000

800 800

600 600

400 400

200 200

- 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Actual Peak Demand Minimum Billing Demand (due to Ratchet) Actual Peak Demand Minimum Billing Demand (due to Ratchet)

Figure 10. Current and projected peak demand.

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LESSONS LEARNED
THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES
OF UNIVERSITIES
With a substantial swing in peak demand from summer to
winter and high air conditioning loads in late afternoon,
the university load profile presents unique challenges for
the solar designer. If a designer sizes a fixed-tilt system
to meet peak demand, overproduction is the result. If a
system is sized to eliminate overproduction, customer
expectations of energy generation and cost savings will
likely not be met. Traditional fixed-tilt solar arrays are not
up to the task.
OVERPRODUCTION
Overproduction is a concern for universities or any
other electric user with a load profile dominated
by air conditioning. There are several solutions to
overproduction, but few of them are desirable. Significant
curtailment (i.e. discarding excess electricity) is wasteful
and indicative of an oversized solar array. Selling power
back to the grid at the avoided cost is almost never
Figure 11. 32 Vanadium flow batteries DC coupled to panel rows at MUM’S Solar Power Plant.
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economical and may not be feasible at all depending on
the interconnection requirements of the utility. On the
other hand, creative solutions using a combination of
active tracking and battery energy storage can mitigate
overproduction while meeting energy generation and cost
savings targets.
ACTIVE TRACKING &
BAT T E RY E N E R G Y S TO R AG E
Active tracking works synergistically with battery
energy storage to peak shave. This combination is
especially effective for cyclical load profiles driven
by air conditioning demands. During the summer active
tracking features a wider peak production window than
fixed-tilt arrays, allowing a solar installation to continue
generating power in late afternoon when the sun is low,
but air conditioners are still running. Because of their
east-west orientation, active tracking arrays do not
overproduce too much in winter, when air conditioning
loads are nonexistent. Battery energy storage systems
take advantage of surplus solar energy by storing
energy generated when air conditioning loads are low
and releasing that energy when loads are high. This
combination is an ideal fit for universities.
15
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