Distributed Operations

Challenges and Solutions with DER

ENGIE at a glance

October 2016 2

⚫ Challenge: Dairyland wanted to add

approximately 25MW of new generation. Most

developers proposed 1 site in one of their

members territories. The members all wanted

the site in their own territory.

⚫ Solution: Engie Distributed Solar offered to

build 1 to 2MW sites in all membership

territories.

Dairyland G&T

3

⚫ Challenge: NIMBY – Not in My backyard

⚫ Solution: Engie Distributed Solar partnered

with Prairie Restoration to install over 500 Acres

of native pollinator habitat

Native Pollinator Habitat

4

⚫ Challenge: Lots of distributed solar might

cause high voltage or flicker issues

⚫ Solution: Make sure you decide what

inverter settings you require. Most

inverters can provide Volt/VAR control but

do not come set up that way out of the box.

Make sure you require the settings you

want during the interconnection process.

Voltage Support

5

⚫ Challenge: Many Cooperatives are waiting on large projects to be developed. The MISO

interconnection approval can take two years. Also, small projects on the distribution system can

be deemed under the RTO jurisdiction if electrons flow on the transmission grid. Often, projects

are too small due to minimum substation load concerns.

⚫ Solution: Build medium voltage interconnected projects in the 1MW to 25MW range. Engie can

provide curtailment solutions to ensure you never surpass substation load. This can allow you to

build larger projects with minimal curtailment during shoulder periods.

Long ISO queue and being regulated by the RTO

6

⚫ Challenge: The most expensive O&M item

could be vegetation management.

⚫ Solution: Take advantage of new

technologies like this pivoting mower. It

pivots when the head strikes a pile.

Vegetation Management

7

How Engie delivers solar to you

August 2017

• Financial structures PPA to secure ITC

• Policy team to access greatest incentives

• Consistent and de-risked deal delivery

• In-house structural, electrical and civil engineers

• Vast solar + storage project design experience

• Focus on safety, quality and delivery

• Access to multiple leading technology

• Economies of scale achieve lowest costs

• Quality control for consistent delivery

• Access to unique performance monitoring

• Dedicated Operations & Maintenance

• Pro-active systems management

Procurement

Operations

Design/Build

Financing⚫ Challenge: It is hard

to lease land, permit,

engineer, build,

finance and operate

new solar farms.

⚫ Solution: Engie

Distributed Solar can

provide turnkey

solutions and power

purchase agreements

at or below wholesale

prices per kWh.