ECOMOTION WORKS WITH BUSINESSES, CITIES, AND UTILITIES TO DEFINE
THEIR SOLAR OPTIONS AND DEVELOP PLANS TO HARVEST THE SUN
"Facilities managers complain to us that they are being bombarded by solar sales people. We step in to intercept those sales calls, and help the organization make basic decisions about solar: IF, HOW MUCH, WHERE and WHEN to install." Ted Flanigan, President, EcoMotion
Irvine Councilmember Larry Agran (l.) and Mayor Sukhee Kang (r.) congratulate Ted Flanigan and the Capital Group's Reid McCartney on the completion of the company's solar system -- the largest solar PV installation in Orange County! EcoMotion served as owner's representative for The Capital Group Companies, located in Irvine, whose campus now sports a 1 MW system installed on shade structures on three of their four parking garages. For details, see Capital Group press release.
Download a printable Overview of EcoMotion Solar Services. If you're considering our services, and would like to know the basic questions we're likely to ask first, take a look at our Simplified Qualifications Checklist.
These two documents will give you a good idea of the step-by-step procedure that's necessary to start on a solar potential analysis.
Want more information on how to structure a solar investment? Ted Flanigan was interviewed on January 13, 2011 by Inside Outside. Read the
full article for some in-depth discussion of investment dos and don'ts based on EcoMotion's experience.
| Project Planning |
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Conceptual planning: aesthetics, functionality |
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Management Education: technologies, trends |
| On Site Energy Savings Analyses |
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Rooftop; condition, tilt, shading, potential |
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Property Ownership: use, opportunities |
| Proposal, Project Review |
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Equipment review |
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Bill and rate analysis |
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Special conditions: Local ordinances, CC&Rs |
| Financial Analysis |
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Solar production estimates |
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Net cost analysis: incentives, tax credits, NEM |
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PPA analysis:cost, term, buy-out, escalation rates |
| Project Management |
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RFP development and management |
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Weekly project facilitation, reporting |
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Expert third party reviews, field inspections |
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| Public Relations |
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Ribbon cutting, press releases, articles |
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Stakeholder, employee communications |
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Photographic documentation |
| Inspections and Ongoing Monitoring |
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| Links to Special Solar Financial Resources |
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Solar realities - Despite increased attention and press about the benefits of renewable energy, very few business owners or facilities managers have had firsthand experience of "buying" a solar system. This puts them at the mercy of solar salespeople.
A prime example: On a recent EcoMotion project, bids for the same size solar system ranged from $4.70 to $5.30 per watt! (This represented a difference of nearly $1 million for the system.)
Experience counts - Over the past four years, EcoMotion has had the opportunity to counsel hundreds of home owners and dozens of commercial property owners and managers about potential solar projects. EcoMotion has also worked with many different solar contractors, building a database of their special skills and strengths.
These many interviews and analyses have led EcoMotion to create a number of documents and procedures aimed at facilitating a solar decision. They range from an initial over-the-phone qualifying interview, to site checklists, to in-depth financial analyses, to an RFP template useful as a starting point for any project. EcoMotion has also become knowledgeable about the financial impact of rate changes, local taxes and feed-in-tariffs, and how they will impact your project.
Independent advice-- EcoMotion does not represent any manufacturer or contractor, preferring instead to offer independent analysis and project management services. Fees are project-based or hourly. Click here for a complete, downloadable list of Solar Services. |
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| EcoMotion Solar Energy Projects |
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From club selection to system
connection – all in 6 weeks! |
In celebration of Earth Day, the Boys and Girls Club of Pomona Valley participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a brand new 5 kW solar system. The system was generously donated by the University of Phoenix and the project was managed by EcoMotion. The demonstration project will help educate future generations about our important role in sustaining our natural resources. |
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| Large campus configuration choices |
At the headquarters campus of The Capital Group Companies in Irvine, EcoMotion served as "owner's representative," facilitating the largest solar system installation to date in Orange County. The 993 kW AC system, with 5,472 panels, is mounted on three existing parking structures at the perimeter of the campus, with the power being consolidated to provide nearly half the requirements of the company's data center and central plant. |
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| Unique solar port design |
Cathay Bank, in El Monte, CA, brought EcoMotion aboard for assistance in comparing bids it had received for a proposed solar port project. EcoMotion suggested the significant step of re-defining the project and re-issuing the RFP for the work. Having helped select the winning bidder, EcoMotion worked with the bank, the bank’s architect, and the installer to put finishing touches on the 432 kW AC show-case of high-technology. |
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| Nighttime construction challenges |
For New York environmental marketing company, EcoMedia, EcoMotion served as project designer and manager for a high-visibility demonstration solar project in Long Beach, CA. Erected over a three-week period, and under challenging, nighttime construction conditions, the Long Beach Airport “Solar Alley” consists of six, 1 kW AC pole-mounted dual-axis trackers ranged near the baggage pick-up. Every month, thousands of arriving passengers are greeted by the solar systems and their accompanying signage. |
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| Repeated analyses found "the sweet spot" |
Working as consultants through Solar Santa Monica, EcoMotion successfully negotiated a Power Purchase Agreement between a financier, solar contractor and the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District. The 745 kW AC deal, providing for systems on nine schools, had been log-jammed until EcoMotion’s analysis and advocacy clarified and amended the originally proposed terms. |
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| Avoided: a bad investment |
For Life Pacific College in San Dimas, CA, EcoMotion provided a third party analysis of the solar potential of a “perfect roof” on the new campus gymnasium. Despite the positive solar production potential, EcoMotion ultimately advised against the project based on the client’s utility rate structure and the school’s economic parameters. |
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| Tight installation timeframe |
Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, incoming Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, was searching for a demonstration of the city’s commitment to greening and to justify its honor as America’s cleanest city. EcoMotion recommended unique solar structures – able to withstand hurricane winds -- to be ground-mounted at the historic Miami City Hall. Then EcoMotion found a local company able to manufacture, assemble and install them. From City Council approval to the arrival of the camera crews turned out to be only 15 days. |
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| Santa Monica College steps up |
EcoMotion conducted a campus-wide, solar scoping study for Santa Monica College, involving a detailed 16-rooftop analysis and identifying a 1.2 MW potential. The College began the first phase of construction in 2009 and in the Fall of 2010 completed two systems mounted on parking lots, for a total of 408 kilowatts DC.
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| Individual site analyses |
For a New York-based shopping center owner, with properties throughout North America, EcoMotion helped to strategize and target properties and opportunities for solar installations. After extensive roof-top analysis, a detailed case study of a mall in La Mirada, California highlighted key barriers – split incentives, varying leases, etc. -- and pointed Kimco Realty, a REIT, toward a LLC position, rewriting leases and using rooftops and solar to create a new corporate profit center. |
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| Solar for students |
For the City of Anaheim, EcoMotion managed the selection of elementary school sites and the installation of eight 1- kW AC “Solar Flags” as a demonstration project sponsored by Anaheim Public Utilities. The Solar Flags bring renewable energy onto the campus and into the everyday lives of students and teachers. EcoMotion program enhancements include website monitoring and ongoing teacher training. |
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| Rebate verification |
For Burbank Water and Power, EcoMotion provides technical support for the Solar Support Rebate Program. In this capacity, the EcoMotion solar team verifies solar installations – including numbers and types of panels and inverters, as shown here – and confirms solar potential for newly constructed installations. EcoMotion worked with BWP to develop reporting procedures and requirements. |
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| Policy impacts solar industry |
EcoMotion has hosted two Solar Research Tours, to Germany in 2007 and to Spain in 2008. The professional members of the group heard from policy makers, business leaders, and academicians while visiting research facilities as well as solar sites. Germany and Spain were selected for these tours because of the role they have played in developing Feed-In Tariffs to stimulate solar production and installation. |
| Helping You |
EcoMotion provides solar services to a wide variety of clients, from ranchers in northern California, to major property owners in Hollywood!
When you’re ready to take a solar step, allow us to be your first call. |
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