SOLAR TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM TERMS AND CONDITIONS (2018)

The Solar Technology System (STS) must be developed and aligned with the following items: 1. All projects must comply with Alberta’s Micro-generation Regulation. Project teams are to

analyze alternative options to ensure:

a) Maximum compensation regarding small and large micro-generators status as per

Micro-generation Regulation, maximize Greenhouse Gas emission reduction and Return

On Investment.

2. The solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array rated capacity should be equal to or greater 60

kilowatts (kW DC PV), unless approved by Alberta Education (hereafter, Education).

3. The STS installation must not be supported financially by additional grants, unless approved

by Education.

4. Education’s STS funds are limited to $750,000.00 per school project, which can be applied

to expenses listed in Appendix I.

5. STS eligible expenses are:

a) Installation of STS equipment, such as solar PV modules, racking, inverters, transformer,

cabling, conduit, fittings, disconnects and monitoring interface, meter, shipping costs.

b) Expenses for the design, energy assessment, energy modeling, shading study,

procurement, installation, engineering fees (architectural, structural, electrical, civil,

geotechnical, cost control) specification and construction of the STS.

c) Expenses for obtaining the required STS electrical permit and grid-connected approvals.

d) Expenses for completing the required STS electrical and building inspection for the

project.

e) Reasonable structural upgrades related to the installation of the STS.

f) STS contingency fund is limited to 10 per cent of the total STS costs.

g) Expenses related to the STS monitoring system: purchase and installation of the

monitoring system, display screen and other related equipment, and STS website costs.

i) Expenses related to the STS monitoring system and STS website costs are limited to

$10,000.

6. STS monitoring system comprises equipment and software that allows for tracking energy

production in real-time and sharing data with students, school community, other STS

schools, and the Government of Alberta through a mobile-friendly website1.

7. The STS initiative shall fund the installation of solar panels at the school core building.

a) Unless approved by Education, the following shall not be funded by the STS initiative:

i) Installation of solar panels onto:

a) Portable or modular classroom, and similar items;

1 A mobile-friendly website adopts “Responsive Web Design,” allowing webpages to be viewed in response to the size of the screen or web browser being used to view the website. Software that is common to mobile devices would be preferable.

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM TERMS AND CONDITIONS (2018)

b) Outdoor classrooms, standalone structures, and similar items;

c) Parking lot covers, canopies, walkways, bus stops, and similar items;

d) Carts, trucks, and similar items;

e) Solar trees, pole mounted solar panels, and similar items;

f) Benches, gazebos, and similar items; and

g) Sheds, storage, and similar items.

ii) The purchase or installation of equipment and systems to wash or clean solar panel

arrays

8. Project teams are to submit all required STS information to Alberta Education, to the email

indicated on the STS Information Forms, including, but not limited to, cost estimations

outlining all expenses, scope of work and other funding sources.

9. If project schedule delay risks are identified, project management and consultant teams

should develop alternative STS designs ensuring project schedule delay risks related to the

STS are mitigated, reducing the risk impact, severity, and/or probability of occurrence.

10. STS Project teams are to ensure that PV arrays will not be shaded.

11. STS operation and maintenance expenses will be covered by the jurisdictions through

Infrastructure Maintenance and Renewal (IMR) and Plant Operations and Maintenance

Funding (PO&M).

12. Project teams and jurisdictions are to outline their educational plans and activities related

to the STS installation to educate and engage students and community members.

13. STS detailed information and periodic reports are expected during the design, installation,

and operation of the solar technology system. Please, refer to STS information forms

attached (Forms A, B, and C) and submit to Alberta Education based on timeline of school

project.

a) Schematic Design Form (A) should be submitted with electronic copies of the Schematic

Design Report, Energy Model Report, Shading Study on the photovoltaics and, if for

modernization or replacement project, copies of the last 12 months of energy bills of

the existing school facility (energy and natural gas);

b) Pretender Form (B) should be submitted with copies of the Tender Package, Cost Report

and engineer stamped electrical drawings;

c) Operational Periodic Form (C) is to be first submitted 6 months after the STS installation

is completed. This form should be submitted periodically (every 6 months) for three

years, after the STS installation is completed.

14. If the full STS funding amount is not utilized, the school jurisdiction can request Education’s

approval to explore further strategies related to Greenhouse Gas emission reduction or

building energy efficiency.

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM TERMS AND CONDITIONS (2018)

Appendix I Maximum allowed funding: STS expense group Maximum expense

STS Installation, including: 1. Expenses for the installation of the of STS

equipment (e.g. solar PV modules, racking, inverters, transformer (if any), cabling, conduit, fittings, disconnects and monitoring interface, meter, shipping costs)

2. Expenses for the design, energy assessment, energy modeling, procurement, installation, engineering fees (architectural, structural, electrical, civil, geotechnical, cost control) specification and construction of the STS

3. Expenses for obtaining the required STS electrical permit and grid-connected approvals

4. Expenses for completing the required STS electrical and building inspection for the project

5. Reasonable structural reinforcement costs to accommodate solar panels on new and replacement school projects

$3 per Watt of installed capacity

Base building structural upgrades. Only for existing school buildings and school modernization projects.

$2 per Watt of installed capacity

STS monitoring system $10,000 per school project

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Form

A

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM (STS)

SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE INFORMATION FORM

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Please, complete and submit the form to Alberta Education by email at edc.cp.evaluation@gov.ab.ca

1. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION:

1.1. Jurisdiction Name: ______________________________________________________________

1.2. School or Project Name: __________________________________________________________

1.3. Address: ______________________________________________________________________

1.4. Type of School Project: New: ____ Replacement: ____ Modernization: ____ Addition: ____

1.5. If this school project is a replacement or modernization, please, provide electronic copies of the last 12 months of active energy bills (energy and natural gas) for the existing facility

1.6. When do you expect solar panels to be fully operational? _____/_____/_____

2. EDUCATIONAL GOALS/PLANS:

2.1. Please, provide a brief description of the educational objectives related to the STS**

** Suggested topics:

1. How students will take advantage of the Solar Technology System (STS) to learn about climate change and its impacts, energy efficiency, energy generation options, reduction of long-term energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

2. How students will visualize the amount of power that is generated by the school STS and how it relates to climate change and its impacts.

3. How the jurisdiction will support teachers in developing educational activities related to energy efficiency and climate change. (Please, add additional pages if needed)

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3. Please, feel free to provide additional and optional information, as feedback to the initiative: Are there other aspects that would make this initiative better for this school or other schools? What would they be?

(Please, add additional pages, if needed):

If you have further questions/comments, please, send an email at: edc.cp.evaluation@gov.ab.ca

Date: _____/_____/_____ Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________ Email: ____________________

Signature: ____________________

3/13

Form

B

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM

PRE-TENDER PHASE INFORMATION FORM

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Please, complete and submit the form to Alberta Education by email at edc.cp.evaluation@gov.ab.ca

1. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION:

1.1. Jurisdiction Name: ______________________________________________________________

1.2. School or Project Name: __________________________________________________________

1.3. Address: ______________________________________________________________________

1.4. Type of School Project: New: ____ Replacement: ____ Modernization: ____ Addition: ____

1.5. What will be the new, replacement or modernized school building’s total gross area (in square metres)? _______________

2. PROJECT INFORMATION

2.1. Estimated costs for the project Solar Technology System (STS) total: $___________________

2.1.1.1. Design fees: $___________________

2.1.2. Construction and installation

2.1.2.1. Breakout for modifications to base building (for modernization projects only):

$___________________

2.1.2.2. Breakout for STS monitoring system: $___________________

2.1.2.3. Contingency: $___________________

2.2. Estimated project completion date: _____/_____/_____

2.2.1. Is there any project schedule delay risk identified due to the Solar Technology System initiative (STS)? Yes: _____ No: _____ If yes, please, describe:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.2.2. Are you accessing other funding sources? Yes: _____ No: _____. If yes, please, provide details on how much and through whom?: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.2.3. Please, provide electronic copies of the:

Energy Model Report

Shading study on the photovoltaics

Engineer stamped drawings, when available

Cost Report

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2.3. Technical Description:

Please, provide a brief description of the scope of work for the Solar Technology System (STS) installation, including technical objectives and its envisioned solutions. Please, add note clarifying data sources and methods utilized for estimates:

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2.4. Energy estimates. Please, specify:

2.4.1. Estimated STS rated capacity (kW DC) ______________________

2.4.2. What is the designed number of solar panels? _______. Where are the panels

located?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

________________

2.4.3. Estimated annual energy production outcome (kWh) _______. How much of it

will be supplied to the grid (kWh)? _________

2.4.4. Estimated annual financial compensation for the electricity supplied to the grid, $

____________

2.4.5. Estimated annual Greenhouse Gas emission reduction (tonnes of GHG)

__________

2.4.6. What type of solar panels are installed/designed? (check the box)

Monocrystalline Polycrystalline

Amorphous CdTe

CIS/CIGS Other

2.4.6.1. If other, please, identify: _____________________________________

2.4.6.2. What direction(s) are PVs oriented to?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________

3. (Optional) Please, provide additional information, as feedback to the initiative: Are there

other aspects that would make this initiative better for this school or other schools? What

would they be? (Please, add additional pages, if needed):

If you have further questions/comments, please, send an email at: edc.cp.evaluation@gov.ab.ca

Date: _____/_____/_____ Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________ Email: ____________________

Signature: ____________________

6/13

Form

C

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM

STS OPERATIONAL INFORMATION PERIODIC FORM

EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The school jurisdiction team should complete this Form C as per the STS Terms and Conditions.

Please, submit to Alberta Education at: edc.cp.evaluation@gov.ab.ca

Questions to the jurisdiction’s facility and maintenance team:

1. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION:

1.1. Jurisdiction Name: _____________________________________________________________

1.2. School Name: _________________________________________________________________

1.3. Address: _____________________________________________________________________

2. TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

2.1. Please, provide electronic copies of the school’s energy bills for the last 12 months (energy and natural gas).

2.2. What is the STS installed capacity, kW? _______________________________________

2.3. How much capacity is connected to the grid (has the ability to sell to the grid), kW?____

2.4. How many tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are saved annually?___________

2.5. Please, fill in how much electricity the STS installation is producing per month, kWh:

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

January February March April May June

Monthly STS

electricity production,

kWh

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

Year ______

July August September October November December

Monthly STS

electricity production,

kWh

2.6. Please, provide the link to the STS website: ____________________________

NOTE: If this is the first time you are filling in this data, please, start with the first month of the STS’s electricity production and provide

monthly production up until this month. If this is not the first time filling in this form, please, provide monthly electricity production of the STS from the last time we received monthly STS electricity production data.

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Questions to the jurisdiction’s education team:

3. EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION:

Please, provide a copy of the jurisdiction’s education plan related to the STS initiative

3.1. Is this school providing students with educational opportunities to learn about the Solar Technology System (STS) and its connection to renewable energy and environmental sustainability? Yes: _____ No/Not Yet: _____ Unsure: _____

3.1.1. IF the answer is Yes please, answer type “A” questions,

3.1.1.1. A. What does this look like and what are the impacts? Outcomes?

3.1.1.2. A. What could this school do to improve in this area?

3.1.2. IF the answer is No/Not Yet or Unsure please, answer type “B” question.

3.1.2.1. B. How might or how will this school address this area?

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3.2. Is this school currently using the technological interface, software or monitoring system

of the Solar Technology System (STS) to assist teachers in engaging students and

creating related educational activities? Yes: _____ No/Not Yet: _____ Unsure: _____

3.2.1. IF the answer is Yes please, answer type “A” 2 questions

3.2.1.1. A. What does this look like and what are the impacts? Outcomes?

3.2.1.2. A. What could this school do to improve in this area?

3.2.2. IF the answer is No/Not Yet or Unsure please, answer B (1 question).

3.2.2.1. B. How might or how will this school address this area?

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3.3. Is this school currently using the technological interface, software or monitoring system

of the STS to engage community members? Yes: _____ No/Not Yet: _____ Unsure:

_____

3.3.1. IF the answer is Yes please, answer type “A” 2 questions

3.3.1.1. A. What does this look like and what are the impacts? Outcomes?

3.3.1.2. A. What could this school do to improve in this area?

3.3.2. IF the answer is No/Not Yet or Unsure please, answer type “B” question.

3.3.2.1. B. How might or how will this school address this area?

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3.4. Has this school provided opportunities for students to engage the broader community

regarding the STS Initiative? Yes: _____ No/Not Yet: _____ Unsure: _____

3.4.1. IF the answer is Yes please, answer type “A” 2 questions

3.4.1.1. A. What does this look like and what are the impacts? Outcomes?

3.4.1.2. A. What could this school do to improve in this area?

3.4.2. IF the answer is No/Not Yet or Unsure please, answer type “B” question.

3.4.2.1. B. How might or how will this school address this area?

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3.5. Please, answer the questions in the following table to the best of your ability. A

comment box is included below if you would like to add anything.

On a scale from 1 to 5 (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree), please, answer the following

by checking the appropriate box for each question.

Are students at this school…

Strongly Agree

Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Unsure or N/A

1 2 3 4 5

Currently acquiring an awareness of the relationship between the environment and human life?

Acquiring knowledge and/or a basic understanding of the natural environment, natural systems and what it means to be environmentally sustainable?

Acquiring a set of values, appreciate and feelings of concern for the environment

Acquiring the motivation for actively participating in environmental improvement and protection?

Acquiring problem solving and critical thinking skills for identifying and solving environmental challenges?

Having an opportunity to be actively involved in working towards sustainable practices?

Other Comments?

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3.6. Are their other learning outcomes that came, or are coming from this STS Initiative,

including unexpected learning outcomes? What are they?

3.7. Please, share any stories about the implementation, installation, education and/or

discussion of the solar technology systems at this school involving students, teachers or

the broader community.

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3.8. Please, provide feedback: Are there other aspects that would make this initiative better for this

school or other schools? What would they be? (Please, add additional pages, if needed):

If you have further questions/comments, please, send an email at: edc.cp.evaluation@gov.ab.ca

Date: _____/_____/_____ Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________ Email: ____________________

Signature: ____________________