In an effort to improve efficiency and sustainability, the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) wanted to add Community Solar Gardens (CSGs) at three wastewater treatment plants and at a maintenance facility. TKDA worked with Westwood Engineering to provide a feasibility study for the installation of CSGs at these four locations.
TKDA completed a civil engineering analysis to determine wetland boundaries and the 100-year storm high water levels. The electrical analysis for each solar garden included preparation of a schematic layout showing the position of the solar panels, inverter station, 480-volt transformers and point of connection to each plant’s existing electrical system. Of the four sites studied, both the Seneca and the Empire facilities have been selected to move forward to full development as Community Solar Gardens.