Blymyer supports San Francisco expanding the use of renewable energy

Blymyer supports San Francisco expanding the use of renewable energy

The City of San Francisco aims to transition to 100% renewable electricity for all residential customers by 2030. CleanPowerSF and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) are heading the effort to deploy more solar generation systems in support of that goal. Projects at Moscone West Convention Center and for the San Francisco Public Library will be key contributors. Blymyer Engineers delivered engineering expertise to support those two projects and additional projects for SFPUC. Sage Energy Consulting is leading the projects and engaged Blymyer.

Moscone West rooftop solar expansion

Moscone West Convention Center has had rooftop solar generation capacity since 2004. But the SFPUC and CleanPowerSF expanded their goals for the center, turning to Sage Energy Consulting for help. Blymyer contributed to the design effort for a new 800kW solar PV system at the convention center.

Blymyer delivered the electrical design and layout along with layout coordination with a structural consultant and permitting support. The project includes a battery energy storage system (BESS). A BESS enhances any renewable project’s resiliency because it enables the delivery of energy during times when generation is low.

“Moscone West hosts many of the top conventions in the world,” says Blymyer President Mike Rantz. “It’s also home to one of the largest publicly owned solar power systems in the United States. Adding even more power generating capacity to Moscone West makes it one of the greenest, if not the greenest, event facilities in the United States.”

Solar over buildings and water

The SFPUC is adding solar panels and a BESS to a San Francisco Public Library building in the South of Market area of San Francisco. Located at 190 9th Street, the building houses the San Francisco Public Library’s catalog and technology services. The project features 95kW of solar generation capacity and a 220kWh BESS. Blymyer Engineers provided the electrical design, layout, layout coordination, and permitting support on the project. Sage Energy Consulting led the project.

San Francisco is also exploring the expansion of its use of solar panels over reservoirs. Blymyer Engineers supports that effort, too. The team recently conducted feasibility studies for adding solar generation to four water reservoirs.

“The City of San Francisco has ambitious energy goals,” says Rantz. “It’s clearly on track to meeting its goals. The city is adding solar generation and BESS in key locations, such as rooftops and over reservoirs, turning otherwise unused space into an asset.”

About Sage Energy Consulting

Sage Energy Consulting leads renewable energy projects for government, educational, and commercial organizations. The firm helps clients identify renewable energy needs and opportunities. Sage has led more than $2 billion in energy projects since its start in 2009. Learn more about Sage.