Solar Photovoltaics, Battery Energy Storage System, and Microgrid Facility Installation: Request for Information

Project Description: In March of 2024, a Solar Feasibility Study was completed for Mount San Antonio Community College (Mt. SAC) for the potential development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) electric generating and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility to offset the cost of electricity associated with the operation of the college, located at 1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA 91789. This Solar Feasibility Study evaluated feasibility to install a behind-the-meter (BTM) solar PV system, battery energy storage system, and campus micro-grid facility right-sized based on projected load-growth scenarios to assist Mt. SAC in upgrading on-site distributed energy resources (DER) that can pair with existing campus infrastructure and Thermal Energy Storage (TES). DERs will provide generation and storage to offset some the college’s on-site energy needs and allow the campus to have more control and flexibility over when grid-sourced energy is used. The study determined that the best performance and value were found when were batteries sized at 3.2 MW/6.4 MWh and solar PV was sized at 6.75 MW installed across Lot F and Lot B (see Section 4: Preliminary Solar PV Installation Options, Case C in the Solar Feasibility Report for additional information). Mt. SAC is now issuing a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from potential vendors into the resources and support needed to ensure successful installation of a solar PV, BESS, and microgrid system that meets the appropriate parameters as determined by the study. This RFI does NOT bind Mt. SAC to any action or agreement. Additionally, submitting a response to this RFI shall neither preclude nor pre-qualify any firm from participating under the eventual RFP.