NYC DCAS – David Maravilla – 2017

Goals

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is working to install 100 Megawatts of solar power on municipal buildings and properties by 2025. DCAS enlisted EDF Climate Corps fellow David Maravilla to explore different models to develop a Community Shared Solar (CSS) pilot program. The goal of the pilot program is to contribute to municipal solar and GHG emissions reductions goals, while providing affordable renewable energy to private residents and improving overall solar project economics. 

Solutions

For the CSS pilot, DCAS is looking to host a 200 kW solar system on a municipal building roof and then sell the power generation to a base of subscribed customers. To identify best practices and limitations in existing CSS programs, Maravilla researched potential models for the pilot by conducting an extensive analysis of CSS literature and different interviews with stakeholders. This analysis was used to inform policy recommendations on CSS program models and solicit best practices so that DCAS could develop the first CSS pilot program hosted on the City’s property.

Potential Impact

With Maravilla’s analysis, DCAS was able to present the various program models to project stakeholders to help determine the most appropriate pathway forward. Overall, this pilot program enables the City of New York to better understand CSS, and if proven successful, expand this program on a larger scale throughout the city.