GenPro Energy Development completed construction of a behind-the-meter microgrid powered by solar + storage for CS Precision Manufacturing in Gering, Nebraska. The solar microgrid is the first of its kind in the state, powered by 1,560 550-watt solar modules and three BYD-Chess 120-kW energy storage units.
GenPro Energy completed a solar + storage powered behind-the-meter microgrid in Nebraska.
“CS Precision Manufacturing began looking at solar power as a viable option to subsidize energy consumption several years ago,” said CEO Scott James. “It quickly became apparent that the numerous benefits of solar power extend far beyond those of a financial nature. Environmental benefits, partial energy independence, stable energy costs, and community responsibility are key factors that have driven our decision to implement a solar field. Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source that emits zero greenhouse gases. By reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources, we will minimize our carbon footprint and aid in the battle against climate change.”
Before converting the facility to solar, CS Precision hired GenPro Energy to conduct a feasibility study.
“When we started the project back in 2020, there was very little interval data available from the utility,” said Molly Brown, led the development for GenPro. “We installed dataloggers at each utility service and collected 1-minute interval data for an entire year.”
Once the interval data had been collected and uploaded for analysis, other technical items needed to be addressed. The facility had four different electric services. GenPro worked with the Gering’s electric utility and its wholesale provider, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, to reconfigure the facility’s interconnection to the distribution grid. The microgrid’s design, which stores energy and uses it when demand is heightened, will offset peak usage times. Compared to fossil fuels, solar provides a more stable cost structure.
News item from GenPro Energy Developments