OneEnergy Renewables, a leading developer of distributed, utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, and Constellation announce the development of a 4.3 MW solar electric project located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The off-site system, which is part of an innovative electricity supply agreement between Constellation and the National Aquarium, will provide power for approximately 40 percent of the Aquarium’s electricity requirements for the next 25 years.
OneEnergy’s Purpose-Built Solar™ program, which connects large electricity users with custom-built, off-site solar projects, will enable the National Aquarium to procure power from Constellation at a fixed price equal to the amount of power generated by the solar facility. By avoiding the size constraints of the National Aquarium’s roof, OneEnergy was able to tailor the project to better meet the Aquarium’s unique energy and financial profile. Constellation will finance, build, and own the system.“To date, corporate and institutional customers have primarily adopted solar through on-site, net-metered systems,” said Bryce Smith, CEO and co-founder of OneEnergy Renewables. “With Purpose-Built Solar, organizations like the National Aquarium can now access solar power at scale and enjoy the economic benefits that only large, optimally sited projects offer. Direct engagement with grid-connected projects is redefining how large electricity customers will go solar."
The Constellation solar project is estimated to reduce grid-related CO2emissions by more than 4,409 tons, annually, the equivalent emissions from 842 passenger vehicles, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.
“This project with OneEnergy Renewables and Constellation really allows us to 'walk our talk’ as a conservation organization," said John Racanelli, CEO of the National Aquarium. “Now, a significant percent of our electricity will come from clean, renewable energy. We hope this will help set a precedent for supporting large-scale, off-site projects and inspire others to take action.”
“Constellation is proud to support the National Aquarium’s energy and environmental goals,” said Brendon Quinlivan, director of solar development at Constellation. “This project with OneEnergy Renewables is an example of our commitment to developing products and services that give customers greater flexibility in managing their energy costs while supporting the use of clean, renewable energy.”
About OneEnergy Renewables:
OneEnergy Renewables develops distributed, utility-scale solar PV projects and creates next generation power purchase agreement (PPA) products that expand the marketplace for clean energy. OneEnergy’s Purpose-Built Solar™ enables commercial and institutional customers to procure power from large-scale offsite solar projects and to integrate these purchases into their broader electricity procurement strategy. More information atwww.OneEnergyRenewables.com.
About the National Aquarium:
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world’s natural resources and living systems. The National Aquarium delivers meaningful experiences through its living collections; science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field from the Chesapeake Bay to Costa Rica; and partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations around the world. For more information on the National Aquarium, visit www.aqua.org.
About Constellation:
Constellation is a leading competitive retail supplier of power, natural gas and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. Constellation’s family of retail businesses serves more than 100,000 business and public sector customers, including more than two-thirds of the Fortune 100, and more than 1 million residential customers. Baltimore-based Constellation is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2013 revenues of approximately $24.9 billion, and more than 35,000 megawatts of owned capacity comprising one of the nation’s cleanest and lowest-cost power generation fleets. Learn more at www.constellation.com or on Twitter at @ConstellationEG.