SITER-Solar/v2-siter-solar-plan.md

# SITER Solar Installation Project
## 2026 Renewable Energy Initiative - v2 Analysis

---

## Executive Summary

This document outlines a solar energy installation project for SITER, designed to offset a portion of monthly electricity costs through solar generation. The system will utilize 16 solar panels across 8 custom-built ground-mount racks, paired with a Sol-Ark 5K hybrid inverter that integrates with the existing Base Power battery backup system.

**Total Project Investment:** $4,100.00
**Estimated ROI Period:** 9.1 years (based on updated billing analysis)
**Estimated Monthly Savings:** $37.61 (14.2% bill offset)

**Existing Infrastructure:** SITER currently operates with a Base Power battery backup system and automatic transfer switch (ATS), installed in 2025, providing resilience and a fixed energy rate of **$0.085/kWh** through a 3-year contract (Oct 2025 - Oct 2028).

**Updated Billing Data (15 months):** Average monthly consumption of 1,885 kWh (~22,600 kWh/year) at average effective rate of $0.140/kWh.

**NREL PVWatts Analysis:** Based on location data for SITER, a 16-panel system (4.0 kW DC with 250W panels) is projected to produce ~6,000 kWh/year, offsetting approximately 14% of current consumption.

---

## Table of Contents

1. [Project Overview](#project-overview)
2. [Technical Specifications](#technical-specifications)
3. [Detailed Budget](#detailed-budget)
4. [Project Timeline](#project-timeline)
5. [Risk Analysis](#risk-analysis)
6. [Return on Investment Analysis](#return-on-investment-analysis)
7. [Recommendations](#recommendations)
8. [Appendix](#appendix)

---

## Project Overview

### Objectives

- Reduce monthly electricity expenses through solar generation (~14% offset with current panels)
- Integrate with existing Base Power battery backup infrastructure
- Leverage Base Power's 4¢/kWh solar buyback program for excess production
- Complete installation with minimal upfront capital expenditure
- Achieve positive ROI within 10 years while gaining energy resilience

### Scope

| Component | Quantity | Description |
|-----------|----------|-------------|
| Solar Panels | 16 | Existing inventory (250W each) |
| Ground-Mount Racks | 8 | Custom steel construction |
| Inverter | 1 | Sol-Ark 5K Hybrid |
| Wiring & Connectors | TBD | To be determined based on site layout |

### Current Status

- **Phase:** Initial procurement and rack construction
- **Spend to Date:** $360.95 (first solar rack completed)
- **Next Milestone:** Complete remaining 7 racks

### Existing Infrastructure

SITER has the following energy infrastructure already in place:

| Component | Details | Install Date |
|-----------|---------|--------------|
| Base Power Battery System | Battery backup with automatic transfer switch | 2024 |
| Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) | Seamless grid/battery switching | 2024 |
| Base Power Contract | 3-year fixed rate at $0.085/kWh | 2025-2028 |

**Site Base Load:** ~1,885 kWh/month (15-month average)

This existing infrastructure significantly de-risks the solar project:
- ATS already installed for grid switching
- Battery backup provides load smoothing and outage protection
- Fixed-rate contract provides predictable baseline costs

---

## Technical Specifications

### Inverter: Sol-Ark 5K-5kW-48V Single-Phase Hybrid

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Power Output | 5kW |
| System Voltage | 48V DC |
| Phase | Single Phase |
| Type | Hybrid (Grid-tied + Battery Backup) |
| Source | [EcoDirect](https://www.ecodirect.com/Sol-Ark-5K-5kW-48V-Single-Phase-Hybrid-Inverter-p/sol-ark-5k-1p-n.htm) |

**Key Benefits:**
- Grid-tied operation for net metering eligibility
- **Integrates with existing Base Power battery system**
- Hybrid functionality ensures power during grid outages
- High efficiency rating minimizes energy loss
- Compatible with existing ATS infrastructure

### Existing Base Power System

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Contract Rate | $0.085/kWh (fixed through Oct 2028) |
| Solar Buyback Rate | $0.04/kWh (4¢/kWh) |
| Contract Term | 3 years (Oct 2025 - Oct 2028) |
| Site Base Load | ~1,885 kWh/month (actual 15-month average) |
| Backup Capability | Automatic transfer switch + battery |
| Installation Date | 2024 |
| Solar Integration | Seamless - no additional equipment needed |

**Source:** [Base Power Solar Integration](https://www.basepowercompany.com/with-solar)

### Solar Buyback Program Details

Base Power offers competitive solar buyback rates for excess production:

| Feature | Details |
|---------|--------|
| Buyback Rate | 4¢/kWh for all excess solar production |
| Credit Application | Applies to **entire bill** (not just energy charge) |
| Negative Balance | Rolls over to following month |
| Solar Tracking | Shown on monthly bill in "Solar Credits" section |
| Outage Protection | Base keeps solar panels producing during grid outages |

**Integration Strategy:** Solar generation will first offset on-site consumption (reducing the $0.085/kWh charge), with excess production credited at $0.04/kWh. The existing Base Power battery system provides:
- Automatic solar integration without additional equipment
- Continued solar operation during grid outages
- Battery storage for excess daytime production

**image-1-placeholder**

### Rack System: Ground-Mount Steel Construction

Each rack accommodates 2 solar panels using galvanized steel posts and adjustable mounting hardware.

**Materials per Rack:**
- 6x 8' steel posts (driven into ground)
- 14x 5/16" x 5-3/8" U-bolts (panel mounting)
- 3x 2-3/8" Galvanized Adjustable Clamps (structural support)

**image-5-placeholder**

---

## Detailed Budget

### Phase 1: Equipment & Materials

#### 1.1 Panel Rack Construction

| Line Item | Qty | Unit Cost | Subtotal | Notes |
|-----------|-----|-----------|----------|-------|
| 8' Steel Posts | 48 | $34.97 | $1,678.56 | 6 posts per rack × 8 racks |
| 5/16" x 5-3/8" U-bolts | 112 | $2.33 | $260.96 | 14 per rack × 8 racks |
| 2-3/8" Galv Adj. Clamps | 24 | $3.77 | $90.48 | 3 per rack × 8 racks |
| **Rack Materials Subtotal** | | | **$2,030.00** | |

#### 1.2 Tools & Equipment (One-Time)

| Line Item | Qty | Unit Cost | Subtotal | Notes |
|-----------|-----|-----------|----------|-------|
| Post Driver | 1 | $57.75 | $57.75 | Reusable for future projects |
| **Tools Subtotal** | | | **$57.75** | |

#### 1.3 Electrical Components

| Line Item | Est. Cost | Notes |
|-----------|-----------|-------|
| Romex Wiring | $200.00 | Gauge/length TBD based on site survey |
| Connectors & Junction Boxes | $112.25 | MC4 connectors, conduit, etc. |
| **Electrical Subtotal** | **$312.25** | Conservative estimate |

#### 1.4 Inverter

| Line Item | Qty | Unit Cost | Subtotal | Notes |
|-----------|-----|-----------|----------|-------|
| Sol-Ark 5K Hybrid Inverter | 1 | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | Includes shipping |
| **Inverter Subtotal** | | | **$1,500.00** | |

---

### Budget Summary

| Category | Amount | % of Total |
|----------|--------|------------|
| Rack Materials | $2,030.00 | 49.5% |
| Tools (One-Time) | $57.75 | 1.4% |
| Electrical Components | $312.25 | 7.6% |
| Inverter | $1,500.00 | 36.6% |
| **Contingency Reserve (10%)** | **$200.00** | **4.9%** |
| **TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET** | **$4,100.00** | **100%** |

### Spend to Date

| Date | Item | Amount | Running Total |
|------|------|--------|---------------|
| 2026 | First Solar Rack (materials) | $360.95 | $360.95 |
| | *Remaining Budget* | *$3,739.05* | |

---

### Cost Comparison: Per-Rack Analysis

| Cost Element | Per Rack | 8 Racks Total |
|--------------|----------|---------------|
| Steel Posts | $209.82 | $1,678.56 |
| U-bolts | $45.92 | $367.36 |
| Adjustable Clamps | $11.31 | $90.48 |
| **Base Rack Cost** | **$267.05** | **$2,136.40** |
| Wiring/Connectors (est.) | $32.95 | $263.60 |
| **All-In Rack Cost** | **$301.08** | **$2,400.00** |

---

## Project Timeline

### Phase Overview

```
Week 1-2:  [████████] Procurement & Site Prep
Week 3-6:  [████████████████████████████████] Rack Construction
Week 7-8:  [████████████] Inverter Installation
Week 9:    [████] Electrical Wiring
Week 10:   [████] Testing & Commissioning
```

### Detailed Schedule

| Phase | Tasks | Duration | Dependencies |
|-------|-------|----------|--------------|
| **1. Procurement** | Order inverter, purchase remaining steel posts, hardware, wiring | 1-2 weeks | Budget approval |
| **2. Site Preparation** | Mark rack locations, clear vegetation if needed | 1 week | Phase 1 |
| **3. Rack Construction** | Build 7 remaining racks (1 already complete) | 3-4 weeks | Phase 2 |
| **4. Panel Mounting** | Install panels on completed racks | 1 week | Phase 3 |
| **5. Inverter Installation** | Mount inverter, connect to panel array | 1 week | Phase 4 |
| **6. Electrical Integration** | Run wiring, install disconnects, connect to building | 1 week | Phase 5 |
| **7. Testing & Commissioning** | System testing, safety inspection, energize | 1 week | Phase 6 |

**Estimated Total Duration:** 8-10 weeks

### Milestones

- [ ] **M1:** All materials procured
- [ ] **M2:** Site preparation complete
- [ ] **M3:** All 8 racks constructed
- [ ] **M4:** Panels mounted and secured
- [ ] **M5:** Inverter installed and connected
- [ ] **M6:** System commissioned and operational

---

## Risk Analysis

### Risk Register

| ID | Risk Description | Probability | Impact | Risk Score | Mitigation Strategy |
|----|------------------|-------------|--------|------------|---------------------|
| R1 | Wiring costs exceed estimates | Medium | Medium | 6 | Obtain quotes from 2-3 suppliers; consider DIY installation |
| R2 | Weather delays rack construction | Medium | Low | 4 | Build buffer into timeline; work during favorable seasons |
| R3 | Inverter supply chain delays | Low | High | 5 | Order early; confirm stock before project start |
| R4 | Structural issues with racks | Low | Medium | 3 | Follow engineering best practices; inspect posts regularly |
| R5 | Utility interconnection delays | Low | Medium | 3 | Research local requirements early; submit paperwork promptly |
| R6 | Permit requirements | Medium | Medium | 6 | Verify local building codes before construction |
| R7 | Panel compatibility issues | Low | Low | 2 | Confirm panel specs match inverter requirements |
| R8 | ROI takes longer than projected | Low | Medium | 3 | Conservative savings estimates; monitor actual output |

### Risk Matrix

```
                    IMPACT
              Low      Medium      High
         ┌─────────┬─────────┬─────────┐
    High │         │    R6   │         │
PROB     ├─────────┼─────────┼─────────┤
   Medium│    R2   │  R1,R8  │         │
         ├─────────┼─────────┼─────────┤
      Low│    R7   │  R4,R5  │  R3     │
         └─────────┴─────────┴─────────┘
```

### Key Risk Mitigations

#### R1: Wiring Cost Overrun
- **Current Status:** Only rough estimates completed
- **Action Items:**
  - [ ] Conduct site survey to determine exact wire runs
  - [ ] Obtain quotes from multiple electrical suppliers
  - [ ] Consider aluminum conductors for long runs (cost savings)
  - [ ] Allocate $200 contingency specifically for electrical

#### R6: Permit Requirements
- **Current Status:** Unknown
- **Action Items:**
  - [ ] Contact local building department
  - [ ] Research setback requirements for ground-mount systems
  - [ ] Verify utility interconnection requirements
  - [ ] Factor permit fees into budget if required

---

## Return on Investment Analysis

### Updated Billing Analysis (15 Months of Data)

Based on actual Base Power billing data from October 2024 through January 2026:

| Service Period | Consumption (kWh) | Bill Amount | Effective Rate |
|----------------|-------------------|-------------|----------------|
| Oct 18 - Nov 19, 2024 | 1,368 | $34.61 | $0.025/kWh* |
| Nov 19 - Dec 18, 2024 | 863 | $132.37 | $0.153/kWh |
| Dec 18, 2024 - Jan 17, 2025 | 1,092 | $160.33 | $0.147/kWh |
| Jan 17 - Feb 19, 2025 | 1,434 | $210.73 | $0.147/kWh |
| Feb 19 - Mar 21, 2025 | 1,398 | $199.35 | $0.143/kWh |
| Mar 21 - Apr 22, 2025 | 1,472 | $209.71 | $0.143/kWh |
| Apr 22 - May 21, 2025 | 1,936 | $277.13 | $0.143/kWh |
| May 21 - Jun 20, 2025 | 2,713 | $385.08 | $0.142/kWh |
| Jun 20 - Jul 22, 2025 | 2,995 | $423.56 | $0.141/kWh |
| Jul 22 - Aug 20, 2025 | 3,015 | $428.76 | $0.142/kWh |
| Aug 20 - Sep 19, 2025 | 2,924 | $440.35 | $0.151/kWh |
| Sep 19 - Oct 20, 2025 | 2,486 | $372.89 | $0.150/kWh |
| Oct 20 - Nov 18, 2025 | 1,553 | $235.81 | $0.152/kWh |
| Nov 18 - Dec 18, 2025 | 1,469 | $240.12 | $0.163/kWh |
| Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 20, 2026 | 1,549 | $216.25 | $0.140/kWh |
| **15-Month Average** | **1,885** | **$264.47** | **$0.140/kWh** |

*Note: Oct-Nov 2024 bill had credit applied from previous provider transition

### Seasonal Consumption Patterns

| Season | Months | Avg Consumption | Avg Bill |
|--------|--------|-----------------|----------|
| **Summer Peak** | Jun - Sep | 2,912 kWh | $415.89 |
| **Winter Low** | Nov - Feb | 1,333 kWh | $175.56 |
| **Shoulder** | Mar - May, Oct | 1,777 kWh | $261.55 |

**Key Insight:** Summer consumption is 2.2× higher than winter, creating opportunity for solar to offset peak production months.

### NREL PVWatts Production Estimate

Based on NREL PVWatts analysis for SITER:

| Parameter | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| System Capacity | 4.0 kW DC (16 × 250W panels) |
| Array Type | Fixed Open Rack (Ground Mount) |
| Orientation | 30° tilt, 180° azimuth (South) |
| Annual Production | 6,004 kWh |
| Monthly Average | 500 kWh |
| Daily Average | 16 kWh |
| Capacity Factor | 17.1% |
| Avg Solar Radiation | 5.52 kWh/m²/day |

### Ground Mount Advantages at SITER

The ground-mount configuration at this site has significant advantages:

| Advantage | Impact |
|-----------|--------|
| **Optimal Tilt (30°)** | Matches latitude for maximum annual production |
| **South-Facing (180°)** | Optimal azimuth for Texas |
| **No Trees/Shading** | Minimal shading losses (typical: 3-5%, this site: <1%) |
| **Open Rack** | Better airflow = cooler panels = higher efficiency |
| **Adjustable Orientation** | Can fine-tune tilt seasonally if desired |

**Optimized Production Estimate (8% losses vs 14% standard):**

| Scenario | Losses | Annual kWh | Monthly $ | Payback |
|----------|--------|------------|-----------|---------|
| Conservative (NREL default) | 14% | 6,004 | $37.61 | 9.1 yrs |
| **Optimized (no shade)** | **8%** | **~6,500** | **~$41** | **~8.3 yrs** |

The site's open exposure and ground-mount flexibility make it an ideal solar location.

### Monthly Production Profile (NREL)

| Month | AC Output (kWh) | Daily Avg | Solar Rad (kWh/m²/day) |
|-------|-----------------|-----------|------------------------|
| Jan | 450 | 15 | 4.58 |
| Feb | 453 | 15 | 5.15 |
| Mar | 492 | 16 | 5.23 |
| Apr | 508 | 17 | 5.61 |
| May | 534 | 18 | 5.87 |
| Jun | 514 | 17 | 5.94 |
| Jul | 555 | 18 | 6.31 |
| Aug | 571 | 19 | 6.57 |
| Sep | 514 | 17 | 6.01 |
| Oct | 516 | 17 | 5.62 |
| Nov | 469 | 15 | 4.99 |
| Dec | 429 | 14 | 4.39 |
| **Annual** | **6,004** | **16** | **5.52** |

**image-2-placeholder**

### Investment Summary (Updated)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Total Project Cost | $4,100.00 |
| Average Monthly Bill (15-mo actual) | $264.47 |
| Site Avg Consumption | 1,885 kWh/month (22,614 kWh/year) |
| Solar Production (NREL) | 6,004 kWh/year (500 kWh/month) |
| Self-Sufficiency | 26.6% |
| Base Power Energy Rate | $0.085/kWh |
| Base Power Export Rate | $0.04/kWh |

### Financial Analysis (Updated)

| Category | kWh/year | Rate | Annual Value |
|----------|----------|------|--------------|
| Self-Consumed (60%) | 3,602 | $0.085/kWh | $306.18 |
| Exported to Grid (40%) | 2,401 | $0.04/kWh | $96.06 |
| **Total Annual Value** | **6,004** | | **$402.24** |
| **Monthly Savings** | | | **$33.52** |

### ROI Summary (Updated)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Monthly Savings | $33.52 |
| Bill Offset | 12.7% (of $264.47 avg bill) |
| Payback Period | 10.2 years (122 months) |

### System Size Scenarios (NREL Analysis)

| System | kW | kWh/yr | $/mo | Offset | Payback |
|--------|-----|--------|------|--------|---------|
| 16 × 250W (current) | 4.0 | 6,004 | $33.52 | 12.7% | 10.2 yrs |
| 16 × 300W | 4.8 | 7,204 | $40.22 | 15.2% | 8.5 yrs |
| 16 × 350W | 5.6 | 8,405 | $46.93 | 17.8% | 7.3 yrs |
| 16 × 400W | 6.4 | 9,606 | $53.63 | 20.3% | 6.4 yrs |
| 16 × 450W | 7.2 | 10,806 | $60.34 | 22.8% | 5.7 yrs |
| 20 × 400W (expanded) | 8.0 | 12,007 | $67.04 | 25.4% | 5.1 yrs |
| 24 × 400W | 9.6 | 14,409 | $80.45 | 30.4% | 4.2 yrs |

**image-4-placeholder**

**Note:** To achieve 100% bill offset would require ~32 kW (80 panels @ 400W each).

### 10-Year Financial Projection (Current System: 16 × 250W)

| Year | Cumulative Savings | Net Position |
|------|-------------------|--------------|
| 0 | $0 | -$4,100.00 |
| 1 | $402.24 | -$3,697.76 |
| 2 | $804.48 | -$3,295.52 |
| 3 | $1,206.72 | -$2,893.28 |
| 4 | $1,608.97 | -$2,491.03 |
| 5 | $2,011.21 | -$2,088.79 |
| 6 | $2,413.45 | -$1,686.55 |
| 7 | $2,815.69 | -$1,284.31 |
| 8 | $3,217.93 | -$882.07 |
| 9 | $3,620.17 | -$479.83 |
| 10 | $4,022.41 | -$77.59 |
| 11 | $4,424.65 | +$324.65 |

**image-3-placeholder**

### Assumptions

- NREL PVWatts production estimates based on TMY (Typical Meteorological Year) data
- 60% self-consumption / 40% export split (conservative estimate)
- System losses of 14% (inverter, wiring, soiling, etc.)
- Electricity rates remain constant (conservative - rates typically increase 2-3% annually)
- No major maintenance required in first 10 years
- Base Power contract at $0.085/kWh remains in effect through Oct 2028
- Base Power solar buyback at $0.04/kWh continues
- Solar integration with Base Power system is technically feasible

### Key Considerations

**Production vs. Consumption Gap:**
- Current consumption: ~22,600 kWh/year
- Solar production: ~6,000 kWh/year
- Gap: ~16,600 kWh/year (73% still from grid/Base Power)

**Options to Improve Economics:**
1. Upgrade to higher-wattage panels (400W+ panels reduce payback to ~6 years)
2. Expand system size (additional panels/racks)
3. Reduce consumption through efficiency measures
4. Add more panels when costs decrease

### Value Adds Not Quantified

- **Energy Independence:** Already partially achieved via Base Power; solar adds generation capability
- **Property Value:** Solar installations typically increase property value
- **Environmental Impact:** Reduced carbon footprint
- **Existing Battery Storage:** Already in place via Base Power system
- **Rate Hedge:** Protection against future electricity rate increases post-2028
- **Redundancy:** Solar + Base Power + Grid provides triple-redundant power architecture

---

## Recommendations

### Immediate Actions

1. **Approve Budget:** Authorize $4,100 project expenditure
2. **Order Inverter:** Confirm Sol-Ark 5K availability and place order
3. **Complete Site Survey:** Determine exact wiring requirements and costs
4. **Verify Permits:** Contact local building department to confirm requirements

### Panel Upgrade Consideration

Based on the updated analysis, upgrading from 250W to 400W panels would:
- Increase production from 6,004 to 9,606 kWh/year (+60%)
- Increase monthly savings from $33.52 to $53.63
- Reduce payback from 10.2 years to 6.4 years
- Increase bill offset from 12.7% to 20.3%

**Recommendation:** If budget allows, consider sourcing 400W panels instead of using existing 250W inventory.

### Project Execution

1. Continue rack construction using proven design from Rack #1
2. Procure all remaining materials in single order for cost efficiency
3. Consider hiring licensed electrician for final grid connection
4. Document entire process for future reference/expansion

### Future Considerations

- **Base Power Contract Renewal (2028):** Evaluate contract terms vs. solar-only operation
- **Panel Expansion:** Inverter can handle additional capacity if needed
- **Monitoring:** Add production monitoring system for performance tracking
- **Grid Export:** Explore net metering options for excess generation

---

## Appendix

### A. Vendor Information

**Inverter Supplier:**
- EcoDirect
- Product: Sol-Ark 5K-5kW-48V Single-Phase Hybrid Inverter
- URL: https://www.ecodirect.com/Sol-Ark-5K-5kW-48V-Single-Phase-Hybrid-Inverter-p/sol-ark-5k-1p-n.htm
- Price: $1,500.00

### B. Bill of Materials

| Item | Specification | Qty Needed | Unit Cost | Total |
|------|--------------|------------|-----------|-------|
| Steel Posts | 8' galvanized | 48 | $34.97 | $1,678.56 |
| U-bolts | 5/16" x 5-3/8" | 112 | $2.33 | $260.96 |
| Adjustable Clamps | 2-3/8" galvanized | 24 | $3.77 | $90.48 |
| Post Driver | Manual | 1 | $57.75 | $57.75 |
| Hybrid Inverter | Sol-Ark 5K | 1 | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Wiring/Connectors | TBD | - | - | $312.25 |
| **TOTAL** | | | | **$3,900.00** |

*Note: $200 contingency brings total to $4,100.00*

### C. Rack Construction Details

**Standard Rack Assembly (Per Rack):**
1. Drive 6 steel posts into ground in 2 rows of 3
2. Connect posts with horizontal rails using adjustable clamps
3. Secure panel mounting rails with U-bolts
4. Mount 2 solar panels per rack
5. Route wiring through protective conduit

**Completed:** 1 of 8 racks ($360.95 invested)

### D. Base Power Billing Details

**Contract Information:**
- Contract #: SITER (renewed Oct 2025)
- Contract ID: SITER
- Provider: Base Power Company (PUCT License #10338)
- Address: 1606 Headway Cir, Ste 9333, Austin, TX 78754
- Support: 1-866-479-POWR (7697)

**Rate Structure:**
- Energy Charge: $0.085/kWh (Oct 2025 - Oct 2028)
- Previous Rate: $0.090/kWh (Oct 2024 - Oct 2025)
- Utility Delivery (Oncor): Pass-through charges (~$0.056/kWh equivalent)
- Base Subscription Fee: $10.00/month
- Taxes: ~3.7% (SITER rates)

**Meter Data:**
- Consumption Meter #: SITER
- Generation Meter #: SITER (dual-purpose)
- Reads: Actual (not estimated)
- Tracks both Generation (solar/battery) and Consumption

### E. Base Power Integration Notes

**Technical Considerations:**
- Verify Sol-Ark 5K compatibility with existing Base Power ATS
- Confirm DC voltage alignment between solar array and Base Power battery system
- Determine optimal AC coupling configuration
- Review interconnection requirements with Base Power

**Contract Considerations:**
- Review Base Power contract for solar integration provisions
- Confirm no penalties for reduced consumption
- Plan for contract renewal negotiations in Oct 2028

### Base Power Solar Economics

**Consumption Offset vs. Export Credit:**

| Scenario | Rate | Benefit |
|----------|------|--------|
| Solar consumed on-site | $0.085/kWh avoided | Higher value - reduces energy charge |
| Solar exported to grid | $0.04/kWh credit | Lower value - but credits apply to entire bill |

**Optimal Strategy:** Maximize self-consumption during peak production hours (run high-load appliances when solar is generating) to capture the $0.085/kWh value rather than exporting at $0.04/kWh.

**Key Advantage:** Unlike many providers that only credit against energy charges, Base applies solar credits to the **entire bill** including delivery fees, taxes, and the $10/month subscription fee.

### F. Document History

| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---------|------|--------|---------|
| 1.0 | February 2026 | SITER | Initial project documentation |
| 1.1 | February 2026 | SITER | Added Base Power infrastructure details |
| 1.2 | February 2026 | SITER | Updated with actual billing data (5 months) |
| 2.0 | February 2026 | SITER | Updated with complete billing data (15 months), revised consumption averages, seasonal analysis |

---

*Document prepared for SITER Board Review*
*Project Start Date: 2026*
*Target Completion: Q2 2026*