The Challenge

Arch Electric, a Wisconsin-based solar company, was searching for a solution that would reduce the current energy and demand at a senior center that was placing sustainability at the forefront. The 40-acre facility, which includes several notable renewable features like water backup and a 200kW solar system, needed a system that would help with reducing demand for the entire campus. The project had garnered generous community support, with notable community members contributing financially in hopes of encouraging others to transition to renewables within the state. It also was backed financially by the state’s Office of Energy Innovation and grant program Solar for Good. In hopes of getting this system installed and commissioned quickly, they continued to run into problems procuring a battery system due to supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Solution

Arch Electric modeled the project in ETB Developer and partnered with Energy Toolbase for a complete hardware and software solution. With BYD systems ready to deploy, ETB ensured on-time delivery and lifecycle support. Arch Electric installed a 120 kW, 2-hour BYD CHESS unit integrated with ETB Controller and Acumen AI™ at the senior center. Configured for demand charge management, Acumen AI dynamically forecasts site load and optimizes dispatch in real time to shave peaks throughout the day and evening. ETB Monitor provides Arch Electric, the customer, and stakeholders with full visibility into system operation, enabling real-time performance and savings analysis. The project is forecasted to offset at least 28% of campus energy use, saving more than $35,000 annually