FINAL REPORT
Integration of Solar Energy
in Emergency Planning
Prepared for
New York City
Office of Emergency Management
165 Cadman Plaza East
Brooklyn, New York, 11201
April 2009
Prepared by
75 Broad Street Floor 29
New York, NY 10004
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Contents
Contents ...............................................................................................................................i
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ii
I.
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
Background ............................................................................................................... 1
Description of Project Process................................................................................... 1
II.
Potential Uses for Solar Applications .................................................................... 3
The Solar Resource in New York City ....................................................................... 3
Description of Uses ................................................................................................... 4
Feasibility .................................................................................................................. 8
Applications for Defined Uses.................................................................................... 8
III.
Application Criteria ............................................................................................... 11
Description of Criteria and Analysis Process ........................................................... 11
Summary of Criteria Applied to Each Application..................................................... 13
IV.
Application Descriptions ...................................................................................... 15
Application 1a –Solar Power for Provisional Housing .............................................. 16
Application 1 – Scaled PV Array for Facilities .......................................................... 18
Application 2 – Solar Thermal Collector for Facility or Residential Use .................... 20
Application 3 – Portable Solar Generators............................................................... 22
Application 4 – Water Purification System ............................................................... 24
Application 5 – Water Pumping ............................................................................... 26
Application 6 – PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles ............................................ 28
Application 7 – Communication Repeaters .............................................................. 30
Application 8 – Direct Power for Communications ................................................... 32
Application 9 – Portable Lighting ............................................................................. 34
Application 10 – Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc Use................................ 36
V.
Recommendations ................................................................................................ 38
VI.
Next Steps.............................................................................................................. 41
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
i
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Executive Summary
Historically, gasoline or diesel-powered generators have provided the only option to support
emergency power needs. With significant recent improvements, solar technology can not only
help communities meet goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but can also assist in
mitigating the devastating effects of a disaster. This project focuses on the application of solar
energy to emergency preparedness in New York City (NYC or the City). The goal of this project
is to provide guidance for incorporating solar technologies in the Office of Emergency
Management’s (OEM) emergency preparedness activities.
CH2M HILL facilitated a workshop with NYC OEM participants to identify and prioritize solar
applications to support emergency preparedness. OEM participants qualitatively prioritized
potential solar power uses and identified criteria for evaluating solar applications. Based on
information gathered during the workshop and review of emergency sheltering plans,
CH2M HILL identified specific applications and recommendations to support implementation
of solar energy in emergency preparedness.
With an understanding of the City’s energy needs, photovoltaic (PV) potential and solar
technology, OEM can make informed choices in applying solar power to emergency
preparedness. Feasibility of solar technologies is often related to the solar resource available to
a specific region of the country. Estimates show that NYC can host between 6,000 and 8,000 MW
of PV power. Approximately 2 MW of solar power is currently installed in NYC.
This report presents applications based on eight criteria defined by OEM participants. CH2M
HILL used seven quantified criteria to develop an objective rating for each application.
Application 9, Portable Lighting, and Application 10, Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc Use,
both rated highly, as did Application 6, PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles. These applications
ranked highly predominantly because they are low in cost1, easy to implement, and highly
visible to the general public. Of special interest to NYC OEM is use of solar power for
provisional housing. PV arrays can be used with Container Living Apparatus (CLA) or other
modular housing. It is possible to provide 100% power coverage based on CLA roof space.
Recommended next steps for integrating solar power in emergency preparedness include:
•
•
•
•
•
Identifying potential funding sources
Choosing applications and developing specifications
Determining the emissions offset and cost benefit of the applications
Conducting a meeting with OEM and the NYC Solar America City Strategic Partnership
to review conclusions of this report, discuss findings, and define next steps and
implementation strategies.
Conducting a meeting with NYC Solar America City Strategic Partnership and relevant
city agencies to identify crosscutting aspects of this report and to define next steps for
implementing recommendations across the City.
Note that the cost criterion represents a simple cost of equipment/installation, and does not include a comparision of cost or
benefit against conventional, non-solar equipment.
1
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
ii
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
I.
Introduction
Background
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar America Cities partnership supports 25 cities
committed to making solar a mainstream energy source. DOE provides financial and technical
assistance to support the cities’ innovative efforts to accelerate the adoption of solar energy
technologies (www.solaramericacities.energy.gov). This project focuses on application of solar
energy to emergency planning and preparedness in New York City (NYC or the City).
In an effort to make photovoltaic (PV) systems more efficient, affordable and available, the DOE
and its partners in universities and industry continue to conduct advanced research and
development in this exciting and important energy technology. DOE has developed broad
categories2 of major uses or applications of PV as shown below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Simple, "stand-alone" systems
Systems with battery storage
Backup generator power
Hybrid power systems
Utility grid applications
Net metering
Utility power production.
Items 1 through 4 above are applicable, at least to some degree, to solar energy use in
emergency preparedness. Stand-alone systems can be broadly applied to relatively simple, ad
hoc tasks while battery storage, backup generator, and hybrid power systems can be applied to
larger, more energy intensive and/or critical emergency operations.
Description of Project Process
The goal of this project is to provide guidance for incorporating solar technologies in OEM’s
existing emergency management facilities or activities. This was accomplished initially by
asking OEM staff to determine potential uses for solar energy, establishing criteria for choosing
the most appropriate solar applications to meet identified uses, and selecting solar applications
based on their past use and applicability to the uses identified by NYC OEM.
Objectives of the NYC OEM solar project include:
To consider how worldwide experience in the use of solar energy for emergency
preparedness can be used by NYC OEM
To clarify OEM’s needs regarding solar energy
DOE, Solar Energy Technologies Program, PV in Use: Getting the Job Done with Solar Electricity.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pv_use.html
2
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
1
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
To establish best solar technology alternatives for maintaining reliable power supplies
for emergency preparedness
To provide next steps for implementing preferred solar technologies.
During the course of this project, CH2M HILL facilitated meetings with NYC OEM participants
from all Units to determine and prioritize potential uses of solar power in emergency
preparedness. Defined uses are activities for which NYC OEM is directly responsible; thus, the
authority to implement defined uses lies with OEM which facilitates expedited implementation.
The scope of this project did not include potential uses relative to other NYC agencies. These
agencies may choose to implement additional solar applications in the future.
OEM participants qualitatively prioritized potential solar power uses during a workshop and
identified criteria to prioritize solar applications relative to defined uses. Based on information
gathered during the workshop and review of emergency sheltering plans, CH2M HILL
developed application descriptions and recommendations contained in this report.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
2
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
II. Potential Uses for Solar Applications
During a workshop facilitated by CH2M HILL, NYC OEM and other stakeholders identified
potential uses for solar power as described below. These potential uses are presented here as a
baseline upon which CH2M HILL conducted further assessment to ascertain feasibility and
suitability of solar applications relative to criteria defined by NYC OEM in Section III.
The Solar Resource in New York City
The feasibility of solar technologies is often related to the solar resource available within a
specific region of the country. Estimates show that NYC can host between 6,000 and 8,000 MW
of PV. Currently, approximately 2 MW of solar power is installed in NYC.
Figure 1 illustrates the average daily solar radiation (measured in kilowatt-hours/square meter
per day, also referred to as sun-hours) which is essentially the average number of hours of
useful sunlight for a solar PV module tilted to the same angle as the latitude of the region (for
NYC, an optimal tilt would be 40 degrees corresponding to the latitude). As shown by this map,
the average annual daily solar radiation (hours of useful sunlight) in NYC is approximately 4
hours per day. This value is important when sizing a PV system, particularly the storage battery
bank, to ensure that the system will provide sufficient power during times of little or no
sunlight (days of autonomous use).
Figure 1. Average annual daily solar radiation for PV applications
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
3
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Typical system yield for a 1 kW grid-connected PV system in NYC with no battery backup is
approximately 1,200 kilowatt hours/kilowatt (kWh/kW) per year as shown in Figure 2.
Therefore, a 10 kW PV system would generate approximately 12,000 kWh over one year (with
higher production during the summer months and lower production during the winter
months).
Figure 2. Monthly Production of a 1 kilowatt PV system in NYC
Monthly Production of a 1 kilowatt PV system in New York City
(Total annual production is approximately 1,200 kwh) - at 40 degree tilt, fixed
(Source: PV Watts, Version 1 - National Renewable Energy Laboratories)
140
kilowatt-hours
120
100
80
60
40
20
t
Se
pt
em
be
r
O
ct
ob
er
No
ve
m
be
r
De
ce
m
be
r
Au
gu
s
Ju
ly
Ju
ne
ay
M
Ap
ril
ar
ch
M
Ja
nu
a
ry
Fe
br
ua
ry
0
Description of Uses
Provisional Housing
NYC OEM recently conducted the What if NYC… Design Competition for Post-Disaster Provisional
Housing. This competition was initiated to seek innovative ideas for providing Provisional
Housing for residents who may lose their homes as the result of a catastrophic coastal storm.
Criteria3 for the competition include:
3
•
Density – Maximize the number of housing units per land area
•
Rapid Deployment – Units are ready for occupation as soon as possible
•
Site Flexibility – Maximize the ability to accommodate as many different sites as possible
What if New York City… Judging Criteria, http://www.nyc.gov/html/whatifnyc/html/criteria/criteria.shtml
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
4
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
•
Unit Flexibility – Maximize the ability to accommodate as many variable household
types and sizes as possible
•
Reusability – Maximize potential for reuse of structures either for future disasters or
other purposes
•
Livability – Maximize strength, utility, convenience, and comfort of dwellings
•
Accessibility – Allow access for people who have limited mobility
•
Security – Make public space defensible and help people feel safe
•
Sustainability – Reduce energy costs and the carbon footprint of dwellings
•
Identity – Maximize New Yorker’s sense of identity and pride in where they live
•
Cost Efficiency – Maximize the best value for investment.
According to the NYC OEM, the Container Living Apparatus design was considered feasible to
serve as provisional housing during catastrophes. The parameters of the units were provided to
CH2M HILL and were considered when determining a suitable PV system (such as roof space
available for a PV system, interior loads, etc.) for provisional housing.
Mega Shelters
According to the International Association of Assembly Managers, Inc., a mega-shelter is an
arena, stadium, convention center, or performing arts theater that is used to house evacuees
before, during, or after a major disaster. Before Hurricane Katrina, most shelters consisted of
schools, churches, and recreation centers. They were small facilities accommodating up to 300
persons, on average. For the first time in our nation’s history, in response to Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita, arenas, convention centers, and stadiums were used to accommodate tens of
thousands of evacuees over eight weeks.
The CAJUNDOME, which served as a mega-shelter in Lafayette, Louisiana, accommodated
18,500 evacuees during both hurricanes over 58 days and served 409,000 meals to evacuees and
first responders. Houston’s Reliant Park sheltered 27,100 evacuees over 22 days for Hurricane
Katrina and over 15 days for Hurricane Rita. The Reliant Park staff processed another 65,000
evacuees for the State. Shelters in Dallas, including the Dallas Convention Center and Reunion
Arena, provided shelter for 25,000, processed another 27,000 for American Red Cross benefits
over 39 days, and served 114,200 meals. These disasters also demonstrated the need to expand
the American Red Cross Shelter Operation Guidelines, which proved inadequate for megashelter operations.4
Provision of power to support essential equipment should be available to sustain life and safety
for a minimum 72 hours after an event has occurred. Generators should be available to sustain
emergency power in the event of a power outage and should be independent of off-site utility
infrastructure. Essential equipment requiring power may include:
Mega-Shelter Best Practices for Planning, Activation and Operations, International Association of Assembly Managers, Inc.,
July 15, 2006, http://www.iaam.org/members/Sec_pages/Mega-ShelterPlanning&Activation.pdf
4
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
5
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
•
Medical equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and wheel chairs
•
External communication systems
•
Forklift with 72-hour independent fuel source
•
Sanitation equipment (extra trash receptacles, dumpsters)
•
Independent source for generator fuel for a minimum of 72 hours of use
•
Generator power for:
o
Emergency lighting adequate for resident circulation
o
Emergency electrical outlets with extension cords
o
Emergency paging/internal communication system
o
Battery chargers for cell phones and radios
o
Television sets for news reports, including residents’ televisions
o
Radios for news reports, including residents’ radios
o
Limited ventilation to maintain minimum air quality
o
Water pressure to sustain restroom facilities
o
Refrigeration for medical supplies
o
Ice machines for medical use.
Facilities that have electrically powered automatic toilet and urinal flushers will have a unique
problem in a power failure. Toilets must be operational to sustain sanitary conditions. If toilets
are not connected to the generator system or if they cannot be redesigned to be powered by
batteries, facility management should arrange for portable toilets in advance. Extension cords
are needed to access emergency outlets in the event of power loss.
While the emergency power needs of a Mega Shelter cannot be met entirely by a solar powered
system without a significant up-front investment in infrastructure, solar can be combined with a
diesel or propane generator. Such a hybrid system supporting specific functions can improve
efficiency and provide temporary backup power for critical operations. CH2M HILL
recommends that systems requiring customization and permanent installation be designed and
installed by knowledgeable contractors. Contractors should be certified by the National
American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) for photovoltaic or solar thermal
installations.
Portable Generators
Use of portable generators can be broadly applied in emergency operations. Based on
applications identified in consultation with NYC OEM, varying sizes of portable generators are
desirable to support wide variations in energy requirements. Portable generator applications
identified by stakeholders include:
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
6
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ad hoc power generation for gas stations, nursing homes and other facilities
Portable lighting to support debris clean-up
Refrigeration and climate control for various facilities including morgues
Ad hoc power generation for mobile data centers
Portable indoor lighting
Distribution of supplies at ad hoc shelters and staging areas
Supplement to diesel generators for hospitals
Portable water purification.
Portable solar power generators provide flexibility in providing energy on an ad hoc basis
throughout the City. They may also provide support of private sector critical infrastructure
during a time of need.
Emergency Shelter Support
Power and equipment needs for emergency shelters are generally similar to those shown above
for Mega Shelters. However, the scale of power necessary for an emergency shelter is much less
than that of a Mega Shelter, making use of solar power much more feasible. A typical
emergency shelter will house between 300 and 1200 individuals and will include some
provisions for special needs populations and medical support.
Water Supply
If water treatment plants are affected during a particular emergency, portable water purification
may be necessary to ensure that water is potable on a local basis. Solar options are available to
support water purification. Typical off-the-shelf solar options utilize ultraviolet light and can
purify up to 60 gallons per hour. Larger customized systems may be necessary to support
shelter operations. Various solar powered or augmented water pumps also provide pumping
capacity.
Vehicles
PV application to vehicle electronics can provide an alternate source of energy and reduce
emissions. The Shawnee Fire Department in Kansas recently spent $900 to install two panels on
top of a fire truck to power electronics such as radios and an on-board computer during
response operations. These panels allow the engine to be turned off, thus reducing emissions
and saving fuel. Similar applications may apply to police, emergency medical services, and
public works vehicles.
Communications
Reliable communication is critical to emergency response operations. Repeaters are widely used
to support expansive communications within a jurisdiction or region and support UHF, VHF,
and Ham radio transmission, as well as WiFi service. Solar power has been successfully applied
as a power source for repeaters, batteries, and communication equipment.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
7
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Feasibility
With an understanding of the community’s energy needs and photovoltaic technology, OEM
can make the best choices in installing solar applications. Studies and experience have shown
that PV can play an important role in response, recovery and mitigation in disasters. Portable
systems under 1 kW may meet many of the needs of disaster organizations in response efforts
where 1 to 5 kW systems provide critical stationary power. Small utility-interactive PV systems
with battery backup increase the effectiveness of disaster-resistant buildings and ultimately
support communities to meet distributed generation needs.
Challenging applications for PV include the large-scale power needs of sewer and water
facilities, hospitals, large shelters, distribution centers and emergency operations centers. As PV
technology advances, more capabilities may emerge for these large scale operations. However,
at this time, these larger, more energy intensive operations are better served by larger,
dispatchable generators and perhaps supplemented by PV. Locations or equipment requiring
hundreds of kilowatts of emergency power require large areas of open space and cost hundreds
of thousands of dollars for PV arrays.
Additionally, PV systems supplying power to buildings (provisional housing, temporary
shelters, mega shelters, etc.) are able to cover a higher percentage of the loads when the best
energy-efficient technologies are used and the building is designed for efficiency. This concept
lends itself to the idea of “disaster resistant buildings” in which destruction and disruption to
lives is minimized during a disaster because the energy needs are minimal.5 “Zero energy”
buildings incorporate efficiency and conservation so that when a power generator (such as a PV
system) is installed on the building, all the loads in the building can be served by the PV system
thereby netting zero energy. PV provides more energy than is needed during the day and that
energy is stored for use during the night. The simplest form of “storage” is to use the grid.
Other forms of storage (e.g. batteries, flywheels) can make the building capable of off-grid
operation. If provisional housing is served by PV technologies, it should be designed as a “zero
energy” home or, at a minimum, include the best energy-efficient appliances (such as Energy
Star rated) to minimize energy needs.
Applications for Defined Uses
CH2M HILL researched applications to best support uses identified by NYC OEM. Most of the
applications are variations of PV arrays coupled with batteries to provide efficient support.
Applications are cross-referenced with potential uses in Table 1.
•
•
•
•
•
Application 1a – Solar Power for Provisional Housing
Application 1 – Scaled PV Array for Facility/Residential Use
Application 2 – Solar Thermal Collector for Facility/Residential Use
Application 3 – Portable Solar Generators
Application 4 – Water Purification System
Renewable Energy and Disaster-Resistant Buildings, William Young, Jr. Florida Solar Energy Center, ISES Solar World
Congress 2005, Orlando, FL
5
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
8
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
•
•
•
•
•
•
Application 5 – Water Pumping
Application 6 – PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles
Application 7 – Communication Repeaters
Application 8 – Direct Power for Communications
Application 9 – Portable Lighting
Application 10 – Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc Use.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
9
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Table 1. Solar Technology Applications Relevant to Potential Uses for NYC OEM
Solar Technology Applications
Potential Uses
Identified by
NYC OEM
1a
Solar Power
for
Provisional
Housing;
1
Scaled PV
Array for
Facility/
Residential
Use
2
Solar
Thermal
Collector
for Facility/
Residential
Use
3
Portable
Solar
Generators
4
Water
Purification
System
5
Water
Pumping
6
PV Arrays
and
Laminates
for Vehicles
7
Communication
Repeaters
8
Direct
Power for
Communications
9
Portable
Lighting
10
Fold-Out
Panels for
Small
Scale/Ad
Hoc Use
1.
Provisional
Housing
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2.
Mega
Shelters
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3.
Portable
Generators
4.
Emergency
Shelter
Support
5.
Water
Supply
6.
Vehicles
7.
Communications
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
III. Application Criteria
During the first project workshop, OEM staff defined specific criteria to facilitate identification
of solar technologies to implement. This report presents a qualitative system to evaluate
applications based on defined criteria presented in eight categories. The order of importance
was not defined for the criteria; therefore, the order in which the criteria are listed is random.
The criteria rating scale is represented by:
“1” or “○” (least promising)
“2” or “”
“3” or ““ (most promising).
The criteria can be applied to each application, but cannot always be used to compare two
applications. For example, cost is depicted for a single portable lighting unit, whereas multiple
units may be installed for a particular use. It may be difficult to compare the cost-benefit of a
single lighting unit to the cost-benefit of solar panels for an emergency shelter. Rather each
criterion provides a qualitative measure of how useful the application may be for NYC OEM.
Description of Criteria and Analysis Process
The eight criteria (listed as A through H) defined by NYC OEM are described in this section as
well as definitions of the qualitative rating scale.
A. Proven Application
This criterion measures the practical applicability of a solar solution and answers the questions,
“Has this been done before and was it successful?”
○= New application
= Application
has been used in a few locations
= Application has been widely used in many locations and users are satisfied with its function.
B. Cost
This criterion is a simple measure of cost, defined as the raw order of magnitude cost of the
solar equipment and implementation activities. It does not include operations and maintenance
costs; those are measured in a separate criterion. Cost is presented as a point of consideration,
rather than a comparison between applications or between solar and non-solar technologies.
○ = Cost of one application is more than $5000
= Cost of one application is $1500 to $5000
= Cost of one application is less than $1500.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
11
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
C. Ease of Implementation
This criterion provides a measure of how long it may take to install the unit (including whether
it is readily available as an off-the-shelf apparatus) and the extent of training needed for
implementation. Portability is also incorporated in this criterion. It does not consider costs,
which are in a separate criterion.
○ = Unit requires customization and permanent installation by a trained professional
= Unit requires some customization but can be easily deployed upon delivery
= Unit is packaged as a ready-to-use application with minimal training and is readily
deployable in NYC.
Note: CH2M HILL recommends that systems requiring customization and permanent
installation be designed and installed by knowledgeable contractors. Contractors should be
certified by the National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) for
photovoltaic or solar thermal installations.
D. Beneficial Impact
This criterion provides a qualitative assessment of the benefits of the application relative to
three impact areas: Life Safety, Cost Savings and Emissions Reduction. Beneficial impact areas
for each application are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Beneficial Impacts for Each Solar Technology Application
Application
Beneficial Impacts
Applications 1a
and 1
Solar Power for Provisional Housing;
Scaled PV Array for Facility/Residential Use
Life Safety/Emissions Reduction
Application 2
Solar Thermal Collector for Facility/Residential Use
Life Safety/Cost Savings
Application 3
Portable Solar Generators
Emissions Reduction/Life Safety
Application 4
Water Purification System
Life Safety
Application 5
Water Pumping
Life Safety
Application 6
PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles
Cost Savings/Emissions Reduction
Application 7
Communication Repeaters
Cost Savings/Life Safety
Application 8
Direct Power for Communications
Cost Savings/Life Safety
Application 9
Portable Lighting
Life Safety
Application 10
Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc Use
Life Safety
E. Supplemental Power Availability
This criterion is a measure of how well the application’s use of solar power can help the City
supplement power issues or help to better prepare the community for emergencies.
○ = The solar application augments existing standard grid-connected power applications
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
12
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
= The solar application augments an existing emergency back-up power application
= Use of the solar application provides power which would be otherwise unavailable.
F. Supply Chain
This criterion considers if suppliers are located in the United States and if the equipment is
typically in stock. It is meant to provide information to assess ease of purchasing, ease of
installation, and support of the local economy. Having more than one supplier available in the
U.S. is also helpful.
○ = Single source of supply, potential of multi-month lead times for delivery
= Either single source of supply or long lead time for delivery, but not both
= Multiple suppliers exist domestically and products exist in-stock with little to no
customization required.
G. Operations and Maintenance and Ability to Upgrade
This criterion provides a qualitative measure of the extent of operations and maintenance in
terms of cost, attention required to ensure operating efficacy, and ability to upgrade to new
models without major changes to infrastructure. It is intended to provide information regarding
resulting operations and maintenance issues to allow informed purchasing.
○ = Requires monthly maintenance or significant costs for part replacement or upgrade
= Requires maintenance about twice per year and yearly part replacement costs of about $100
or less
= Requires no maintenance beyond a yearly brief inspection.
H. Visibility to the Public
This criterion is a measure of how visible the application will be to the general public once
implemented. A solar program is a positive image to the public. Some applications will be
highly visible and may encourage others to use solar power.
○ = Not in view of the general public
= Moderately visible
= Highly visible to many people.
Summary of Criteria Applied to Each Application
Qualitative rating of each criterion relative to each application is provided in Table 3 on the
following page.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
13
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Table 3. A Qualitative Assessment of Each Solar Application as Related to Criteria
Criteria
Solar Technology
Applications
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1a. Solar Power for
Provisional Housing
and
1. Scaled PV Array for
Facility/Residential Use
Solar Thermal for
Facility/Residential Use
Portable Solar
Generators
Water Purification
System
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Supply
Chain
Operations and
Maintenance and
Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
○
LS & ER
○
○
○
CS & LS
○
○
ER & LS
○
LS
○
LS
○
CS & ER
○
CS & LS
○
CS & LS
○
○
LS
LS
Water Pumping
PV Arrays and
Laminates for Vehicles
Communication
Repeaters
Direct Power for
Communications
Portable Lighting
10. Fold-Out Panels for
Small Scale/Ad Hoc Use
○
1
Proven
Technology
= least promising, = promising, = most promising
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life Safety
14
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
IV. Application Descriptions
The purpose of this section is to describe specific solar applications for potential uses identified
in Section 2. Each solar application is scalable and some are best served as a hybrid application
with additional energy sources. Specific information identified for each application includes:
•
Corresponding Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) – The ESFs for which the
application may be useful are identified.
•
Brief Description – A brief description of each application is provided to identify
how it may be useful in emergency planning and response activities.
•
Energy Potential – The amount of energy which may be available via each
application is identified.
•
Equipment Needs – Battery and equipment needs are identified for beneficial
uses of the applications.
•
Cost – A rough order of magnitude cost for each application is identified based
on scale.
•
Implementation Issues – A discussion of ease of implementation and/or
barriers to implementation is provided for each application.
•
Tips for Procurement – Tips for procurement include information on local
vendors and manufacturers (if local were not found, others may be listed),
duration of time for producing custom solutions (if applicable), and lead time
necessary to begin using applications. Note that vendors who are members of the
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association can be found in the “sustainable
energy greenpages” database at www.nesea.org/greenpages. Many vendors
may be available and inclusion in this report is not an endorsement. All
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
•
Operations and Maintenance – Information regarding operation and
maintenance of each application is provided to allow effective planning for
ongoing solar program support.
•
Examples – Examples of previously successful applications of solar power to
emergency preparedness are provided along with pictures of each application.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
15
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Application 1a –Solar Power
for Provisional Housing
Courtesy Darrell Mayer & Elizabeth Kolepp-Mayer
and What If … NYC
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
○
○
LS/ER
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 14 – Long Term Community Recovery
highly efficient module, it is possible to
install as much as 5 kW on a single
container roof. Under NYC sun conditions,
this system will produce as much as 6.5
MWh per year. NYC OEM estimates that
each housing unit will consume as much as
6.0 MWh per year. It is possible to have a
greater than 100% coverage ratio by
elevating the structure above the roof and
allowing the module to over hang the edge
of the structure.
The battery bank and the balance of system
components require approximately 4’ x 7’
6” x 4’ or about 5% of the internal space of
the container. The weight of the battery
bank is on the order of 5,000 lbs or 8% of the
maximum gross weight of a standard 40’
dry freight container.6
Equipment Needs
This application requires customization of
the PV system including sizing the battery
bank to cover the desired number of days of
autonomous use. The following table lists
sample equipment needs for provisional
housing.
Equipment
Description
Example
Loads
Brief Description
This application involves use of PV
modules to provide modular power for
Container Living Apparatus (CLA) or other
modular provisional housing applications.
The addition of solar thermal modules for
domestic hot water should also be
considered.
PV Array
Size
Inverters
Battery Bank
Balance of
System
Provisional Housing
Refrigerator
TV
Lights
Computer
Radio
Microwave
5 kW
One 5 kW off-grid inverter
2,250 to 2,500 amp-hrs at 48 V for 5 days
of autonomous use
Charge controller, voltage regulator, safety
disconnects and fuses, combiner boxes
Energy Potential
A standard 40’ x 8’ x 8’ 6” shipping
container has 320 ft2 of roof space. Using a
coverage ratio of 90%, approximately 290 ft2
are available for a PV system. Using a
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
http://www.shipping-container-housing.com/shippingcontainer-standard-dimensions.html
6
16
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Cost
Roof mounted PV systems serving building
loads can be purchased and installed for
approximately $7 to $10 per watt adding $1
per amp hour for the battery bank. Various
local, state, and federal incentives can be
applied to projects to lower the total
installed costs. A good resource for these
incentives is the Database of State
Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.7
Implementation Issues
The roof area of a single container available
for PV coincidentally matches the estimated
usage of that single container. Planning for
provisional housing indicates that the CLA
will be stacked four high, requiring as much
as four times the available roof space. Thus,
ground mounted arrays or portable gensets
(see Application 3) may be required.
Additionally, further advances in energy
savings should be investigated.
Innovative ways of deploying the system
may be required. Ideally, PV arrays would
be grid-connected somewhere while not in
use at the provisional housing site and
placed into emergency service only once
housing units are constructed.
Tips for Procurement
Systems should be designed and installed
by knowledgeable contractors. Contractors
should be certified by the National
American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners (NABCEP) for photovoltaic
and/or solar thermal installations.
NABCEP certified contractors can purchase
equipment from several distributors or
directly from the manufacturers.
procured and installed as quickly as 1
month up to 3 months, depending on
module availability and local jurisdictional
requirements. Once the system is installed
and inspected by the local jurisdictional
authority, a PV system can begin generating
energy immediately.
Operations and Maintenance
Generally, operations and maintenance
procedures for grid-tied PV systems are
minimal. Normally, PV panels do not
require cleaning depending on the amount
of precipitation. Standard batteries require
inspection and possible maintenance on a
monthly schedule and must be in a
reasonably dry, temperature controlled
location with proper venting. Sealed
batteries are largely maintenance free but
tend to be more expensive. Batteries may
require replacement every 5 to 10 years. In
addition to manufacturer’s
recommendations, IEEE publications
pertaining to the installation and
maintenance of various battery types used
in photovoltaic installations should be
referenced. Most manufacturers and system
installers recommend a minimum of annual
system checks to ensure that systems are
performing as designed, although more
frequent checks may be necessary.
Examples
Off-grid power for provisional housing
provides many potential benefits including
replacing potentially dangerous and scarce
fossil fuels, reduction in emissions and
noise at the point of use, and an increase in
reliability of power.
Depending on the size of the system, a
customized system can be designed,
7
http://www.dsireusa.org
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
17
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
addition of a battery bank used to provide
emergency pumping services in the event of
the loss of grid power. Similarly, a church
or school may serve as a temporary shelter
during emergency events. A solar PV
system can provide backup power to a
defined set of critical loads (such as lighting
in a gymnasium or refrigeration in a
cafeteria). The critical loads identified must
be analyzed to determine the appropriate
size of the PV system and battery backup. If
the loads cannot be met exclusively by a PV
system with battery backup, then the
system can be augmented with another
emergency generator (diesel, propane, etc.).
PV systems can be installed on building
rooftops, on stand alone ground-mounted
structures or on covered parking structures.
Application 1 – Scaled PV
Array for Facilities
Photovoltaic gas station canopy courtesy British Petroleum
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
○
○
LS/ER
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 14 – Long Term Community Recovery
Brief Description
This application involves use of PV
modules to generate electricity and provide
backup power, to augment other energy
sources, and/or to provide modular power
based on need. The premise behind scaled
use is to provide as much solar power as
possible (as limited by budget or area
available) to support a defined energy need.
For instance, gas station canopies can be
converted to solar canopies and with the
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
Energy Potential
Mounted PV arrays are typically limited
more by available space than by any
technical constraints. The largest systems
can reach into the multi-megawatt range.
Typically, roof-mounted systems are on the
order of hundreds of kilowatts and depend
heavily on the amount of roof space
available. The largest battery energy storage
system holds 6.5 million amp-hours.
Equipment Needs
This application requires customization, as
it will be sized according to actual loads
identified to be served during an emergency
outage. The kilowatt capacity of the PV
system will be based on the instantaneous
loads and the battery bank size will be
determined by the desired number of days
of autonomous use. The following table lists
equipment needs for temporary shelters
(such as a school).
Equipment
Description
Loads
PV Array Size
Temporary Shelter (School)
Cafeteria Lighting (assume 1.5 watts/sq.ft.
for 10,000 sq.ft cafeteria)
15 kW (roughly 1,200 sq.ft.)
18
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Equipment
Description
Inverters
Battery Bank
Other
Equipment
Temporary Shelter (School)
Multiple 3 to 5 kW inverters for gridconnected and off-grid interaction
46,000 amp-hrs at 24 V, (Qty. 26 of 1,800
amp-hr batteries)
charge controller, voltage regulator, safety
disconnects and fuses, combiner boxes
Cost
PV systems serving building loads can be
purchased and installed for approximately
$5 to $9 per watt adding $1 per amp hour
for the battery bank. Various local, state,
and federal incentives can be applied to
various projects to lower the unincentivized total installed costs. A good
resource for these incentives is the Database
of State Incentives for Renewables and
Efficiency.8
Implementation Issues
When installing a PV system on a building
that will power particular loads, the
loads/appliances should be as energyefficient as possible. In the example of the
school that serves as an emergency shelter,
lighting powered by the PV system should
be high-efficiency rather than conventional
lighting. Buildings designed to US Green
Building Council Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design or other green
building standards are ideal candidates for
PV systems. Ground-mounted systems are
resilient during storms. Rooftop systems
require roof penetration to bolt the system
into the roof structure for resiliency.
can purchase equipment from several
distributors or directly from the
manufacturers.
Depending on the size of the system, a
customized system can be designed,
procured and installed as quickly as 1
month up to 3 months, depending on
module availability and local jurisdictional
requirements. Once the system is installed
and inspected by the local jurisdictional
authority, a PV system can begin generating
energy immediately.
Operations and Maintenance
Generally, operations and maintenance
procedures for grid-tied PV systems are
minimal. Normally, PV panels do not
require cleaning depending on the amount
of precipitation. Standard batteries require
inspection and possible maintenance on a
monthly schedule and must be in a
reasonably dry, temperature controlled
location with proper venting. Sealed
batteries are largely maintenance free but
tend to be more expensive. In addition to
manufacturer’s recommendations, IEEE
publications pertaining to installation and
maintenance of various battery types used
in photovoltaic installations should be
referenced. Most manufacturers and system
installers recommend a minimum of annual
system checks to make sure systems are
performing as designed, although more
frequent checks may be necessary.
Examples
Tips for Procurement
Systems should be designed and installed
by knowledgeable contractors. Contractors
should be certified by the National
American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners (NABCEP) for photovoltaic
installations. NABCEP certified contractors
8
Scaled use of solar power for temporary
shelters provides many potential benefits
including sole source power and
augmentation of existing power sources. In
addition, applying solar power to ongoing
operations, such as fire departments or gas
stations, can yield significant efficiencies on
an ongoing basis.
http://www.dsireusa.org
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
19
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Application 2 – Solar Thermal
Collector for Facility or
Residential Use
realm of emergency preparedness, solar
thermal applications are potentially
valuable in heating water when other
heating sources are unavailable or as an
augmentation to existing heating sources.
Energy Potential
Solar thermal collectors can support a wide
range of heating needs from residential use
of approximately 20 gallons per day to
industrial uses of up to 2000 gallons of
water. Energy potential above this range
may require specially designed systems.
Equipment Needs
Solar Thermal Collector for Domestic Hot Water for Fire Station
#6, Badger Rd, Madison, WI
This application requires a solar collector,
pump, heat exchanger, and control system
which generally comes packaged in
residential and industrial configurations.
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
○
○
LS & CS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 14 – Long Term Community Recovery
Brief Description
Solar thermal applications concentrate
direct heat from the sun to produce heat at
useful temperatures. The systems discussed
here, referred to as “medium temperature
hot water” applications, typically range
between 100-150 ºC and include domestic
hot water and renewable heating. In the
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
Southface Energy Institute
Cost
Residential systems are available for $3,000
and industrial systems range up to $50,000.
Implementation Issues
It is important to properly size the solar
thermal system for the application. To size
the system, it is necessary to fully
understand the daily water usage profile,
the intake water temperature, and the
desired usage temperature. The amount of
20
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
energy required to raise the water
temperature from the intake to the desired
temperature can then be calculated and the
number of solar thermal collectors
determined based on the thermal
performance rating of the individual
collectors.
Tips for Procurement
Systems should be designed and installed
by knowledgeable contractors. Contractors
should be certified by the National
American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners (NABCEP) for solar thermal
installations.
Residential-sized systems should be
certified by the Solar Rating and
Certification Corporation. There is no
equivalent rating system for commercial
sized systems due to the highly customized
nature of the designs. Depending on the
size of the system, a customized system can
be designed, procured and installed in as
little as 1 to 3 months with larger systems
taking longer.
Operations and Maintenance
Although operations and maintenance
procedures for solar thermal systems are
typically minimal, keeping the system
running properly is important to maintain
efficiency. Assuming the system is located
in a place with adequate rainfall, cleaning is
typically not required. Additional cleaning
may be required following a snowstorm to
remove accumulated snow from atop
collectors. Most manufacturers recommend
annual system checks to ensure that
systems are performing as designed.
is usually mounted on the roof and is
connected to a circuit containing the
water/glycol mixture. The heated liquid
flows through the circuit, either forced by a
pump or by a thermo-siphoning action.
The most efficient solar collector for
medium temperature hot water applications
is an evacuated-tube collector (ETC). ETCs
contain several rows of glass tubes; each
tube has the air removed from it
(evacuated) to eliminate heat loss through
convection and radiation. Inside the glass
tube, a flat or curved aluminum or copper
fin is attached to a metal pipe. The fin is
covered with a selective coating that
transfers heat to the fluid that is circulating
through the pipe. Copper, although more
expensive, is a better conductor and less
prone to corrosion than aluminum.
Solar thermal systems can be used in either
of two applications. First, a simple preheating system uses solar collectors to preheat the intake water for a traditional water
heater. Second, water heaters are designed
with dual heating coils; one is connected to
the solar collectors and the other to an
alternate heating source (e.g. gas, electric,
oil).
Examples
In recommended solar thermal applications,
discrete solar collectors gather solar
radiation to heat water with propylene
glycol anti-freeze added. The solar collector
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
21
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Application 3 – Portable Solar
Generators
Courtesy Mobile Solar Power9
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
○
ER & LS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
Beneficial
Impact*
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 1 – Transportation
ESF 2 – Communications
ESF 3 – Public Works and Engineering
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 5 – Emergency Management
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
ESF 10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials
Response
ESF 11 – Agriculture and Natural Resources
ESF 12 – Energy
ESF 13 – Public Safety and Security
ESF 14 – Long-Term Community Recovery
Mobile Solar Power,
http://mobilesolarpower.net/
9
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
Brief Description
This application involves use of mobile PV
modules to generate electricity and provide
power to augment other energy sources
and/or to provide modular power based on
need. The premise behind mobile solar
generator use is to provide as much solar
power as possible (as limited by budget) to
support energy needs in areas where power
is in short supply or unavailable. Mobile
solar generators have been widely used to
support emergency operations and special
events. Generators are available in a variety
of configurations and energy potential.
Generators can be combined with fuel
sources, such as diesel, to allow immediate
generator use until the generator battery is
charged by the sun.
Energy Potential
Portable PV generators can have arrays as
small as 100 watts and as large as 4
kilowatts. A small trailer easily towed by a
small SUV can accommodate a 200 watt PV
module and provide up to 1 kWh per day to
power communication radios, laptop
computers, or other appliances. The largest
commercially available systems can provide
as much as 24 kWh per day and serve as a
medical trailer with lights, a refrigerator,
computer, printer, and medical equipment.
Equipment Needs
Equipment
Description
Loads
PV Array
Size
Inverters
Battery
Bank
Open Trailer
Enclosed Medical
Trailer
Refrigerator
Lights
Computer/printer
Radio
Medical device
Communications
Radio
Lighting
Cell phone/battery
charger
Water purification
1.2 kW
3 kW
One 1 kW inverter
for off-grid use
1,300 amp-hrs at 24
V, (Qty. 4 of 470
amp-hr batteries)
One 3 kW inverter for
off-grid use
3,000 to 3,500 amphrs at 24 V (Qty. 8 of
470 amp-hr batteries)
22
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Equipment
Description
Other
Equipment
Open Trailer
charge controller,
voltage regulator,
safety disconnects
and fuses
Enclosed Medical
Trailer
charge controller,
voltage regulator,
safety disconnects
and fuses, combiner
boxes
Cost
Off-the-shelf PV trailer systems providing
12 kWh/day can be purchased for
approximately $40,000. Similar systems
providing up to 24 kWh/day can be
purchased for approximately $50,000.
Implementation Issues
Structural integrity of trailers is often a
factor in the effectiveness of portable PV
generators, particularly for larger trailers.
Material quality and craftsmanship should
be specified carefully.
Tips for Procurement
These systems are often designed and sold
by equipment distributors such as SunWize
and Mobile Solar Power. Several off-theshelf units are available with some
specification required (such as PV array size
and battery bank capacity). Sources to find
vendors for this product include*:
Operations and Maintenance
As with stationary PV arrays, operations
and maintenance procedures for solar
systems are minimal. Evidence suggests
that keeping PV panels clean is important to
maintain efficiency. The mobile application
of solar power provides more opportunity
for operations and maintenance issues. It is
important that pre- and post deployment
inspections and maintenance procedures
are performed to ensure operational
integrity. In addition, defined uses should
be identified to allow appropriate on-call
status and power availability as needed.
Users should follow operations and
maintenance requirements for battery banks
which will vary based on battery type.
Examples
Portable solar generators have been used to
support emergency operations and are
readily available in a variety of
configurations. The largest manufactured
mobile generator identified is a 24kWh/day trailer mounted system produced
by Mobile Solar Power. It is plausible that
larger semi-trailer mounted systems could
be designed for specific large scale use.
SunWize – NY
1155 Flatbush Road
Kingston, NY 12401
800-817-6527
http://www.sunwize.com/
Mobile Solar Power
6925 B. Sycamore Rd.
Atascadero, CA 93422 USA
(805) 466-1006
http://mobilesolarpower.com/
Courtesy Sunwize
* Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
23
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
media filters, carbon filtration, and ultraviolet
(UV) sterilization. Some are more compact and
mobile than others. Some have multiple
applications including water purification, water
pumping, emergency power and
communications. Optional reverse osmosis
units are available on some products.
Application 4 – Water
Purification System
Energy Potential
Water purification systems are available as
small as 400 watts and up to 3,000 watts
delivering up to 30,000 gallons of water per
day.
Equipment Needs
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
LS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 3 – Public Works and Engineering
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 11 – Agriculture and Natural Resources
Brief Description
PV technologies have been used to provide
power for several water applications including
pumping, purification and desalination. These
applications were originally developed for
remote uses in developing countries with
limited drinking water supplies, but have now
expanded to disaster relief use. Some systems
may offer only one method of purification while
others involve multi-stage filtering that includes
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
The following chart describes specifications
for two types of off–the-shelf units:
Equipment
Description
PV Array Size
MobileMax Pure (by
World Water and
Solar)
3.4 kW
Output 4 (by
First Water
Inc.)
Less than 200
watts
Flow rate
15-30 gal/min
4 gal/min
30,000 gal/day
2,400 gal/day
Pump
1 HP submersible
Filtration
Method
4 stage purification
process (media filter,
carbon cartridge,
GAS/Polyphate/KDF,
UV light)
Weight
5,500 lbs (fits in
7’x7’x7’ container)
Inverter, charge
controller, battery
bank
Self-priming on
board
Pleated ditch
filter/strainer;
sediment prefilter; carbon
post-filter, UV
light
200 lbs
(26”x48”x34”)
On-board
battery
Other
equipment
Cost
A Mobile Maxpure unit configured for
disaster response is approximately $95,000.
Implementation Issues
Although solar water purification units
have been used in emergency applications,
insufficient is available to evaluate ease of
24
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
implementation. The effectiveness has been
proven by most manufacturers.
Tips for Procurement
Solar water purification units are available
in a range of sizes and capabilities. The
determining factor is typical volume of
water required (which should be known
before procuring a system). Other power
requirements, such as communication or
general portable emergency power needs,
should also be specified. These are available
from some vendors at a higher price.
Portability requirements should be known
as some require a vehicle to haul the unit
whereas others can be maneuvered
manually. Finally, replacement parts (such
as replacement filters) should be easy to
obtain and optional training/technical
support should be provided by the vendor.
Two vendors have been identified as a
source for this type of application*:
Operations and Maintenance
The primary maintenance issues involve
the pumping and purification system and
not the solar component. Filters should be
monitored regularly for replacement.
Systems that provide emergency power
should follow guidelines for battery
maintenance including monitoring depth
of discharge. These units are often
described as more reliable and easier to
maintain than those powered by diesel
generators.
Examples
A Mobile MaxPure unit provided
approximately 350,000 gallons of clean,
potable water for hurricane victims in
Waveland Mississippi for an 8- month
period after Hurricane Katrina struck the
Gulf Coast in 2005.
First Water Systems
Marietta, GA 30068
http://www.firstwaterinc.com/index.html
World Water and Solar Technologies
(Product: Mobile MaxPure)
200 Ludlow Drive
Ewing, NJ 08638
609-818-0700
http://www.worldwater.com/maxpure2/
index.html
The MaxPure System comes with a limited
warranty to replace or repair and return any
covered component in the unit found upon
inspection to be defective in workmanship
or material.
Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
*
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
The Outpost 4, First Water, Inc.
25
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
such as cattle ranches or remote villages.
Solar water pumping systems are a proven
option for providing water to support
emergency operations.
Application 5 – Water
Pumping
Solar powered pumps are used generally
for small scale operations. For example, one
brand of submersible pump, with 300 watts
of PV, can produce over 1100 gallons per
day from a 150-foot-deep drilled well. The
equivalent ¾ HP 240 VAC pump requires
2000 watts of PV, an inverter and batteries
to accomplish the same amount of work.
Water pumps can be used to provide raw
water from both groundwater wells and
surface water sources.
Energy Potential
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
LS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 3 – Public Works and Engineering
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 11 – Agriculture and Natural Resources
Brief Description
Solar pumps are used globally where power
is limited and water sources are scattered,
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
PV water pumps range in size based on the
volume of water required, water source
(static water level and depth variations if
well, water quality, etc.), and horizontal and
vertical distance that water is pumped. PV
water pumps are used for livestock
watering and require as little as 100 to 200
watts of PV power. However, larger
systems may be required to support
emergency operations that need significant
volumes of water. Particular attention must
be given to sizing of water pumping
requirements.
Equipment Needs
Typical system components include PV
panels, pumps, pump controllers, storage
tanks, float switches, and optional batteries
and charge controllers. Solar pumps are
available in a wide range of types and sizes.
Determination of the appropriate size of
pump for a given application must be based
on careful consideration of water
requirements. The smallest solar pumps
require less than 150 watts and can pump
1.5 gallons per minute. During a ten hour
sunny period, such a system can pump up
to 900 gallons.
26
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Cost
Costs are highly variable depending on
quantity to be pumped and site conditions.
Implementation Issues
Solar panels require a south-facing location
with no significant shading. The solar array
should be as close to the pump as possible
to minimize wire size and installation cost.
If batteries are to be used, they must be in a
reasonably dry, temperature controlled
location with proper venting. For potable
water applications, solar pumping systems
must be coupled with water purification
systems. To reduce the cost of a system,
water conservation must be practiced. PV
water pumps are competitive in smaller
systems where diesel or other combustible
fuel generators are least economical.10
Tips for Procurement
Because specifying components for a PV
water pumping system are very sitespecific, custom design is required.
Research is necessary prior to contacting a
vendor including the daily volume
required, water source (well, surface) and
total distance water will be pumped. PV
arrays with a tracking mechanism will
increase the daily output and are common
with water pumping systems. Because PV
modules produce DC electricity, systems
are optimized with DC pumps rather than
AC pumps.
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
East Coast Office 856-453-1368
www.americansolarspecialists.com
Solar Water Technology, INC
317 S. Sidney Baker Street Technologies Inc.
Suite 400-112
Kerrville, Texas 78028
www.solarwater.com
World Water and Solar Technologies
(Product: Mobile MaxPure)
200 Ludlow Drive
Ewing, NJ 08638
609-818-0700
http://www.worldwater.com/maxpure2/
index.html
Operations and Maintenance
A typical solar water-pumping system
includes the PV array, the controller, the
pump, and the balance of system
components.
Examples
Sources to find vendors include*:
American Solar Specialists, LLC
41 North Park Drive
Guide to Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems in New
York State, New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority
* Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
10
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
27
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Application 6 – PV Arrays and
Laminates for Vehicles
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
CS & ER
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 1 – Transportation
ESF 3 – Public Works and Engineering
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
ESF 10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials
Response
ESF 13 – Public Safety and Security
Brief Description
The unpredictability of fuel costs coupled
with operational advantages makes solar
application to vehicles beneficial. It is not
plausible at this point to operate emergency
response vehicle engines using solar power;
however, solar power provides benefits
when applied to the electronics typically
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
aboard police, fire and emergency medical
service (EMS) vehicles.
The Shawnee Fire Department in Kansas
recently installed two solar panels, a charge
controller, wiring and mounting parts on a
fire truck at a cost of $908. Designed by Fire
Fighter David Wolff, the panels provide
power for electronic devices and, during
certain operations, allow the engine to be
shut down while maintaining operation of
electronics. While specific data has not been
quantified, the Fire Department estimates a
total annual savings of about $7,500. The
system is used to power a laptop computer,
a thermal imaging camera, seven portable
radio charges, and five flashlight chargers.
Additional research is underway to
determine the feasibility of powering hose
pumps which would significantly decrease
engine run time and fuel consumption.11
This application is also relevant to police
and EMS vehicles.
Energy Potential
For this application, 8 amps of power are
generated via two solar panels.
Equipment Needs
Two solar panels, a charge controller,
wiring, and mounting hardware are needed
to achieve 8 amps of power. To protect the
panels from hail and other physical contact,
a clear plastic cover is recommended for
emergency vehicles.
Cost
This application totaled $908 per vehicle.
However, installation was performed by
Fire Fighters. Vendor installation will add
to the total cost.
Fire Fighter, David Wolff and Fire Chief ,Jeff Hudson,
Shawnee Fire Department Headquarters, 6501 Quivira,
Shawnee, KS 66216, Non-Emergency (913) 631-1080
11
28
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Issues
It is important to assess vehicles prior to
installation to identify the best location for
PV panels and charge controllers.
Installation must be performed according to
different cab styles, antennas and other roof
projections. Protection of PV panels also
warrants consideration as emergency
vehicles may be exposed to physical
hazards such as hail and tree limbs.
are performed to ensure operational
integrity.
Examples
This application provides a beneficial use of
PV to create efficiencies and to reduce diesel
and gasoline emissions. Photos shown here
are courtesy of the Shawnee Fire
Department in Shawnee, Kansas.
Tips for Procurement
Systems should be designed and installed
by knowledgeable contractors. Contractors
should be certified by the National
American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners (NABCEP) for photovoltaic
installations.
*Local
vendors/manufacturers: NABCEP
certified contractors can purchase
equipment from several distributors or
directly from the manufacturers.
A source to find vendors is:
SunWize – NY
1155 Flatbush Road
Kingston, NY 12401
800-817-6527
http://www.sunwize.com/
Operations and Maintenance
As with stationary PV arrays, operations
and maintenance procedures for solar
systems are minimal. Evidence suggests
that keeping PV panels clean is important to
maintain efficiency. The mobile application
of solar power provides more opportunity
for operations and maintenance issues. It is
important that pre- and post deployment
inspections and maintenance procedures
* Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
29
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Brief Description
Application 7 –
Communication Repeaters
Solar powered communication repeaters
can be very useful during an emergency.
Repeaters extend the range of emergency
communications beyond hand-held radios.
Some models can effectively transmit and
receive in the range of up to 1000 feet. Vital
communication links are often damaged
and disabled during a disaster. Portable
solar powered repeaters will assist
emergency responders to communicate and
coordinate response and recovery
operations.
Portable solar powered repeaters are
appropriate for use in emergency
operations due to their size and
transportability to areas without power.
They also fulfill the relatively small load
requirement more efficiently than oversized
fuel generators. For remote
telecommunications equipment, solar use
eliminates or minimizes the refueling
requirements of diesel genset power
systems.
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
CS/LS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Energy Potential
Power needs for telecommunications
equipment such as repeaters vary from as
little as 100 watts and up to 4 kilowatts.
Because repeater, UHF/VHG radio
equipment and general telecommunications
needs vary, the PV system must be specified
to meet the power requirements for specific
equipment.
Corresponding ESF(s)
Equipment Needs
ESF 1 – Transportation
ESF 2 – Communications
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 5 – Emergency Management
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
ESF 10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials
Response
ESF 13 – Public Safety and Security
The solar repeater will act as a repeater, but
not as a gateway. Therefore, an existing
network is needed and must be connected
to the Internet.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
Equipment
Description
Loads
PV Array Size
Inverters
Remote Telecom Site
15 receivers/transmitters
8.5 kW
Two 4 kW inverter for off-grid use
30
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Equipment
Description
Battery Bank
Other
Equipment
Remote Telecom Site
Qty 24 (2 V, 3,300 amp-hours each)
charge controller, voltage regulator,
safety disconnects and fuses
Cost
The Meraki Solar mesh repeater starts at
$848 per unit.
Implementation Issues
PV systems have been used as the sole
source of power for communications
equipment and have also been combined
with diesel or other type of generator. PVhybrid systems can have very short payback
periods (as little as 2 years). The greatest
cost savings for PV-powered
communication equipment is reduced
maintenance. Remote monitoring is
encouraged, particularly for batteries, to
ensure operability and to assist with
troubleshooting.12
Davis Instruments
3465 Diablo Avenue
Hayward, CA 94545-2778
(510) 732-9229
www.davisnet.com
Operations and Maintenance
Operators of remote communications
facilities report that PV powered systems
result in lowered maintenance costs and are
highly reliable. Battery systems must
undergo routine maintenance depending on
the type of battery. According to
manufacturers, repeaters are generally offthe-shelf systems that can be installed in
under 30 minutes.
Examples
Several models are available which provide
a green solution and dependable WiFi and
communication equipment operation.
Tips for Procurement
Systems with larger power needs are
typically custom-designed. However, some
off-the-shelf products do exist. The range of
equipment should be understood before
purchasing to ensure that the system is
effective. Two vendors have been identified
for this particular application*:
Meraki Solar mesh repeater
Meraki Inc.
99 Rhode Island St, 2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-632-5800
http://meraki.com/products_services/har
dware/
Online Case Study – 3.1 kW Off-grid System in Canada
– RETScreen International Industrial – Natural Resources
Canada
* Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
12
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
ORiNOCO AP 4x000 Outdoor Mesh Unit
31
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Application 8 – Direct Power
for Communications
communication infrastructure powered by
solar arrays can provide connectivity in
times of emergency to support public safety
and disaster recovery. Solar applications for
mobile communications are also available.
According to ABI Research, 335,000 cellular
base stations worldwide will be solar
powered by 2013. Use of solar power for
radios is also currently available.
Improvements in solar panels mean that
solar power is now a viable option for base
stations and portable radios.
Business and university campuses are using
solar powered Public Safety Mini-Towers to
provide emergency communications. The
towers are designed to integrate with
cellular or radio frequencies, are completely
wireless, and are designed for locations
where local power is not available.
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
CS & LS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
○
○
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 1 – Transportation
ESF 2 – Communications
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 5 – Emergency Management
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
ESF 10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials
Response
ESF 13 – Public Safety and Security
Brief Description
During an extended deployment, radio and
cell phone batteries are stressed. Portable
power supplies and permanent
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
Energy Potential
Power needs for telecommunications
equipment vary from less than 100 watts to
3 or 4 kilowatts. Because UHF/VHG radio
equipment and general telecommunications
needs can vary, the PV system must be
specified to meet the power requirements of
the particular equipment.
Equipment Needs
In most cases, PV panels, a battery and
charge controller, wiring, and mounting
hardware are necessary.
Cost
Solar power for mobile units range from
$175 to $480. Semi-permanent wireless
phone and radio towers can range up to
$3,000.
Implementation Issues
Repeaters must be aligned with the location
of the tower or mobile unit. Exposure to sun
and angle of PV panel also affect efficiency.
32
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Tips for Procurement
Two vendors* have been identified that
provide both stationary and mobile power
sources for communications:
For the Public Safety Mini Tower
Rath Microtech
N56 W24720 Corporate Circle
P.O. Box 306
Sussex, Wisconsin 53089
http://www.rathmicrotech.com/minitower
2.asp
Outfitter Satellite, Inc.
2911 Elm Hill Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
615-889-8833
http://www.outfittersatellite.com/index.ht
ml
Operations and Maintenance
A monthly maintenance schedule is
recommended for emergency phone towers
to test operability and to ensure that no one
has tampered with the phone line.
Examples
The solar panel, shown below, powers a
satellite phone. Motorola and other radio
providers also have a wide variety of solar
systems to power radios and other
communications equipment.
* Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
33
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
options exist. Solar options are available for
personal lighting such as flashlights,
headlights, or hand held lanterns. Many
portable PV lighting systems are also
available to support large scale lighting
needs such as emergency operations centers
and mass care points. Indoor lighting is
available in scalable systems to meet a
variety of response needs.
Application 9 – Portable
Lighting
Energy Potential
Packaged systems are typically equipped
with PV and batteries to accommodate
power needs for the level of lighting
necessary for each application. Solar
applications must be sized relative to the
lighting needs.
Equipment Needs
Criteria Summary
Proven
Technology
Cost
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
LS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 1 – Transportation
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 5 – Emergency Management
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
ESF 10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials
Response
ESF 13 – Public Safety and Security
Brief Description
Emergency lighting is a top priority during
emergency operations. Emergency lighting
needs vary substantially and many solar
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
Generally, packaged lighting systems are
equipped with all necessary equipment to
sustain lighting needs. An assessment of the
quantity of light necessary for a given task
should be matched with the chosen system
to ensure sufficient lighting.
Cost
A 3 x 11W compact fluorescent light (CFL)
unit is priced at $450. Discounts are applied
to orders of 10 or more.
Implementation Issues
Portable Solar Emergency lighting for a
room or for outdoor use must be sized for
the area. The vendor should be consulted
regarding an estimation of how many units
are necessary provide sufficient
illumination of an area. Lighting needs
should be specified in lumens or specific
units to allow proper sizing for the intended
area or space. Positioning of solar arrays
must be considered as well to ensure
sufficient power for all lighting units or
systems.
34
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Tips for Procurement
Illumination levels are often a key
consideration for emergency lighting needs.
However, lamp efficiency should also be
considered. High efficiency lamps last
longer and use less energy regardless of the
power source and should be specified for
PV lighting. One vendor has been identified
for this application*:
Solar Illuminations
14965 Technology Court, Unit 3-6
Fort Myers, Florida 33912
646-736-7467
http://www.solarilluminations.com/index.
html
Operations and Maintenance
Batteries may require replacement every 2
to 3 years.
Examples
This application accommodates various
emergency and operational uses.
* Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
35
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Application 10 – Fold-Out
Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc
Use
Criteria Summary
Cost
Portable solar power systems are available
to support relatively small-scale emergency
operations such as search and rescue,
damage assessment, and other activities.
These systems can power communications,
lighting, GPS, photography, and other
functions. Portable systems are available
off-the-shelf and include the solar panel,
batteries, charge controller, DC-AC power
inverter, wiring, and other accessories
housed in a durable protective case. Custom
systems can also be developed quickly with
manufacturers.
Energy Potential
Photo courtesy of Powerenz13
Proven
Technology
Brief Description
Ease of
Implementation
Beneficial
Impact*
LS
Supplemental
Power
Availability
Suppliers
O&M/Ability to
Upgrade
Visibility to
the Public
*CS = Cost Savings, ER = Emissions Reduction, LS = Life
Safety
Corresponding ESF(s)
ESF 1 – Transportation
ESF 2 – Communications
ESF 4 – Firefighting
ESF 5 – Emergency Management
ESF 6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services
ESF 8 – Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
ESF 10 – Oil/Hazardous Materials
Response
ESF 11 – Agriculture and Natural Resources
ESF 13 – Public Safety and Security
These systems provide up to 76.7 peak
watts. In ideal sunlight conditions, the
battery power capacity in watt-hours (12
volts x battery amp-hours) divided by the
average incoming solar watts equals the
approximate number of hours to recharge
the battery. Many systems are configured to
allow incoming solar watts to be used for
charging simultaneously with an applied
load. The power draw of the device in watts
multiplied by the anticipated number of
hours of daily use of the device
approximates the power a unit must supply
each day.
Equipment Needs
Generally, these systems are all-inclusive
and self-contained and fit in a duffle bag or
back pack.
Cost
Costs vary from $900 to $6,000 in
commercial, off-the-shelf configurations.
Implementation Issues
End users must be trained in the proper use
of the equipment.
Powerenz, 1422 Stratford Hall Court, Grayson, Georgia
30017, http://www.powerenz.com/store/index.php
13
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
36
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Tips for Procurement
Examples
Two primary vendors have been identified
for this type of application*:
This application has been used to support
avionics, communications, emergency
power generation, and marine operations.
The United States Air Force uses this
application for search and rescue
operations.
Silicon Solar Inc
2917 State HW 7
Bainbridge, NY 13733
888-765-2711
http://www.siliconsolar.com/customerservice.html
Powerenz
1422 Stratford Hall Court
Grayson, Georgia 30017
770-639-2244
http://www.powerenz.com/store/index.p
hp
Powerenz products are legitimate off-theshelf applications and specifically designed
for emergency operations. Both providers
are also able to produce custom solutions in
a relatively short period of time.
Model: Avionics
Manufacturer: Powerenz
Model: Hail Storm
Manufacturer: Powerenz
Model: Solaris Maximus
Manufacturer: Powerenz
In using a fold-out type of application, some
uses may be supported immediately
through use of solar panels. Others may
require a short power collection time frame
relative to the power draw of the device or
devices.
Operations and Maintenance
Operating this application is simple and
straightforward. The fold out panel and
apparatus can be placed in a safe location
and connected to devices via power cords.
These systems can be purchased in rugged
configurations to support field operations.
Maintenance requires cleaning the
equipment after use per manufacturer’s
recommendations.
* Many vendors may be available for this product; inclusion
in this report is not an endorsement and all
vendors/contractors should be NABCEP certified.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
37
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
V. Recommendations
Based on evidence provided herein, it is clear that solar power is extremely reliable and
provides a clean source of energy to support emergency preparedness. Battery banks used to
power an application can be fed by solar in addition to other sources. This facilitates
transformation of existing power requirements to use solar as an alternative or additional
source of power. Many opportunities exist for the NYC OEM to utilize solar applications to
provide power during critical incidents, to reduce emissions and to reduce costs.
Based on the criteria discussed in Section 3, CH2M HILL used the seven quantified criteria to
develop an objective rating for each application. As shown in Table 4 below, Application 9,
Portable Lighting, and Application 10, Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc Use, are both rated
2.57 on a scale from one (1) to three (3). Application 6, PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles, rated
the third highest at 2.14. These applications ranked highly predominantly because they are low
in cost, easy to implement, and highly visible to the general public.
It should be noted that applications 1 and 2 were rated at the facility level. Rating the
applications at the smaller “residential” level would increase their overall scores to
approximately 2.29 due to an increase in cost competitiveness and availability of supply chain,
in addition to a reduction in barriers and O&M issues. In addition, cost as a criterion simply
compares cost of equipment/installation ranging from less than $1500 to more than $5000. It
does not include any comparison between application costs, between costs of solar and nonsolar equipment, or the cost-benefit of using solar equipment over time.
Table 4. Ratings by Criteria
Application
Rating
Portable Lighting
2.57
Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc Use
2.57
PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles
2.14
Portable Solar Generators
2.00
Water Purification System
2.00
Water Pumping
2.00
Communication Repeaters
2.00
Direct Power for Communications
2.00
Solar Power for Provisional Housing;
Scaled PV Array for Facility/Residential Use
1.71
Solar Thermal for Facility/Residential Use
1.71
The eighth criterion, Beneficial Use, is more qualitative in nature and indicates the reasoning
behind and benefits of the use of a particular application. An analysis of beneficial use is shown
in Table 5. Those applications with multiple benefits are presented first and, within categories,
in order of their scoring in Table 4.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
38
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Table 5. Beneficial Use
Application
Rating
PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles
Cost Savings/ Emissions Reduction
Portable Solar Generators
Emissions Reduction/ Life Safety
Communication Repeaters
Cost Savings / Life Safety
Direct Power for Communications
Cost Savings / Life Safety
Portable Lighting
Life Safety
Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc
Life Safety
Water Purification System
Life Safety
Water Pumping
Life Safety
Solar Power for Provisional Housing;
Scaled PV Array for Facility/Residential Use
Life Safety/Emissions Reduction
Solar Thermal for Facility/Residential Use
Life Safety/Cost Savings
All of the applications presented herein have value in achieving an emergency preparedness
goal. However, the analysis presented in Tables 4 and 5 provides a baseline for
recommendations regarding which applications should be pursued in the short-term and those
which may require additional research. A final consideration in developing recommendations
relates to how many of the identified uses each application addresses. Table 6 indicates the
number of identified uses each application addresses.
Table 6. Number of Uses Addressed by Each Application
Application
Uses Addressed
PV Arrays and Laminates for Vehicles
2
Portable Solar Generators
6
Communication Repeaters
4
Direct Power for Communications
4
Portable Lighting
4
Fold-Out Panels for Small Scale/Ad Hoc
7
Water Purification System
4
Water Pumping
4
Solar Power for Provisional Housing;
Scaled PV Array for Facility/Residential Use
3
Solar Thermal for Facility/Residential Use
4
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
39
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
Based on the data provided in Tables 4 to 6 above, NYC OEM should consider the following:
1. As a short-term goal, NYC OEM should implement Applications 3 and 6 – 10. These six
applications provide the highest scores relative to criteria, provide the most beneficial
use, and address multiple uses as identified by stakeholders.
2. Applications 1 and 2 have higher costs and complexities of implementation. NYC OEM
should further evaluate the applications’ ability to offset emissions and cost on an
operational basis in fixed facilities which are identified for use as shelters. If reductions
in day-to-day operational costs and emissions are achievable, the viability and value of
these applications will increase.
3. As a long-term goal, NYC OEM should further evaluate Applications 1, 2, 4, and 5
relative to the frequency of need and effect on resiliency. The uses identified for these
applications may not occur on the frequency necessary to justify the expense of each
application. Conversely, if the need for resiliency outweighs the cost of these
applications, then they are valuable methods to achieve resiliency goals.
4. For any solar implementation, consider future uses of the building and install the largest
and most efficient system possible.
As a corollary to recommendation 3 above, Applications 1, 2, 4, and 5 are of great benefit to
provisional housing provided that the goal is to develop self-sustaining systems. Applying solar
arrays and water purification and supply to individual provisional housing units achieves the
goal of self-sustainability during a crisis. Approaching provisional housing from a holistic
approach is more economical than providing a piecemeal approach to use of solar power.
Conversely, in existing large-scale structures, use of solar power may have value for specific
applications but is probably not applicable on a broad scales due to the number of PV arrays
necessary for large structures.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
40
Solar America Cities:
New York City Office of Emergency Management
VI. Next Steps
The following steps will facilitate use of solar power in emergency preparedness:
1. Identify potential funding sources for purchase of solar applications identified herein.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) provides specific
information relative to New York (see website below).
http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=NY&R
E=1&EE=1
2. Identify potential funding sources via the federal government, particularly in relation to
the recent stimulus package passed by Congress.
3. Discuss Applications 3 and 6 – 10 with relevant operational staff to identify specific
needs and information which allows for development of purchasing specifications.
4. Discuss Applications 1 and 2 with relevant operational staff to determine the viability of
emissions and cost offsets for existing fixed facilities which are identified for use as
shelters. For facilities owned and operated by outside agencies, such as schools,
additional owners and operators should be included in discussions.
5. Determine the cost/benefit of Applications 1, 2, 4, and 5 relative to the frequency of need
and desire for resiliency. If the need for resiliency outweighs the costs, then
implementation of these applications or a subset of them is warranted.
6. If Applications 1, 2, 4, and 5 are determined to be viable, discuss them with relevant
operational staff to identify specific needs and information which allows for
development of purchasing specifications.
7. The NYC Solar America City Strategic Partnership should convene a meeting with OEM
to review conclusions of this report, discuss findings, and create next steps and
implementation strategies.
8. The NYC Solar America City Strategic Partnership, with strong support from the
Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability partner, should facilitate a
discussion with relevant city agencies on the crosscutting aspects of this report and
devise next steps toward implementing recommendations across the City.
Integration of Solar Energy in Emergency Planning
41