Appalachian Power, a unit of American Electric Power, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for what could become the first utility-scale solar projects in the company’s portfolio.
The utility’s RFP calls for up to 25 MW AC of ground-mounted solar energy resources, and Appalachian Power says it may pursue purchase of either the solar facilities at completion or the facilities’ energy output from winning bidders if certain economic and operational criteria are met.
To qualify for consideration, projects must be located within the company’s Virginia or West Virginia service territory, be interconnected to the PJM Regional Transmission Operator or to Appalachian Power’s distribution system, and have a nameplate rating of 5 MW AC or more. Qualifying projects must have started construction after Jan. 1, 2016, and be operational by Dec. 31, 2019.
Solar projects selected by Appalachian through the RFP process are conditioned upon and subject to approval by the required regulatory authorities. Although Appalachian Power produces 1,900 GWh of energy annually from wind and hydropower – enough power to supply 150,000 homes – the company notes that, if the proposals are ultimately approved, they will be the first utility-scale solar projects in the company’s generating portfolio.
Proposals must be submitted by March 9, and more information on the RFP is available here.