Backup Power and TOU Cost Reduction Solution for Senior Dog Rescue Center
Objective
Muttville, founded in 2007 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and shelter for senior dogs in San Francisco through its foster program. Muttville required reliable power to ensure operational continuity of critical facilities during an outage, including an on-site veterinary suite with medical refrigeration and the buildings elevator system.
Solution
The site comprised of 3 distinct buildings, located in the city’s vibrant Mission District, presented a unique challenge due to the age of its electrical service. The building, built in the early 1990’s, had a 3 Phase 240V High-Leg service which the utility PG&E was unwilling to upgrade to simplify the interconnection of the new solar and battery system. This system was a key component of a larger overall rehab of the building, led by general contractor Dome Construction.
Due to these site challenges, Bay Area contractor PRIME Electric first contacted Sol-Ark in late December 2023 for design assistance, after a prior electrical contractor failed to deliver a workable solar plus storage solution for the site. Sol-Ark’s Commercial Product Manager and seasoned NABCEP installer, Liam O’Brien, stepped in and was able to help PRIME craft a solution utilizing our 60K-3P-480V hybrid inverter with step-down transformers to adapt the 480V Delta output of the inverters to the sites 240V High Leg configuration.
Sol-Ark’s solution was chosen over competitors like Tesla and SolarEdge due for a variety of reasons including its unmatched flexibility to meet the tight space requirements of the electrical room and manage fire safety considerations in one of the toughest permitting jurisdictions on the West coast.
“We have been left hanging many times by other companies, and it was great to have the Sol-Ark support.”
With over a decade of expertise, Sol-Ark provided a solution that allowed for the seamless integration of multiple energy sources, including a 600A utility service, 75kW of high-efficiency solar panels and 240kWh of L3 Series energy storage. The L3 Series built-in fire suppression systems within the battery modules and cabinets was crucial for gaining approval from the City of San Francisco Fire Department, given California’s stringent safety standards that typically restrict indoor battery installations.
Project Overview
- Location: San Francisco, California
- System Components: 2x Sol-Ark 60K Hybrid inverters, 4x L3 HV-60 battery
- System Capacity: 120 kWac output with 240 kWh storage
- Solar Array:75 kWdc
- Back Generator: None
- Application: Backup power for critical infrastructure, including refrigeration for medical supplies and building elevator
This state-of-the-art system ensured that the gas station could maintain uninterrupted operation even during power outages. The primary focus of the system was to power the fuel pumps and other essential services reliably. Any excess energy generated was stored in the Pytes battery units, ensuring continuous operation and energy availability.
By implementing this solution, the gas station achieved its goal of energy independence and operational reliability. The integrated system not only safeguarded against power disruptions but also enhanced overall efficiency, ensuring that the station could serve its customers without interruption, regardless of the external power situation. Sol-Ark’s dependable inverters and Pytes’ advanced battery technology provided a robust, sustainable energy solution that met and exceeded the station owner’s needs.
Outcome
This project not only ensured that critical systems at the rescue center are reliably backed up but also demonstrated the effectiveness of Sol-Ark’s flexible solutions in challenging environments. The advanced fire suppression technologies in the battery storage systems were pivotal in securing project approval and ensuring the safety of the facility. Additionally, by utilizing Sol-Ark’s advanced technology, the rescue center significantly reduced its carbon footprint and operational costs. The integration of renewable energy sources with reliable backup power systems not only ensures continuous operation of critical infrastructure but also aligns with broader sustainability goals.
The flexibility of Sol-Ark’s system, coupled with its robust support and innovative features, makes it the go-to solution for projects where space is limited, and reliability is essential.
Brenden, the project manager, emphasized,
“The biggest thing was flexibility. We were able to pack a big punch in a small space. We have been waiting for this type of product for a long time.”
This installation enhances the resilience of the senior dog rescue center and serves as an example for similar facilities aiming to combine sustainability with operational reliability.
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