Feasibility of applying Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) to the Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District

Abstract

This research study assesses the feasibility of solar energy at the Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District (BNWRD) in Bloomington, IL through examining the framework of the Illinois Solar for All (ISFA) program. ISFA is a state funded energy finance program dedicated to promoting and proliferating solar energy throughout Illinois for low-to-moderate income residents, non-profits, public facilities, and environmental justice communities. The BNWRD is a wastewater treatment plant that resides in an environmental justice community located in west Bloomington. After acquiring energy consumption data and site information from this local government facility, we incorporated the collected data set into solar photovoltaic (PV) system performance modeling tools to estimate the total electricity generated by a potential on-site solar PV system. Potential financing of the solar array according to the various financial structures established by the ISFA is also simulated with these solar energy performance models. The outcomes demonstrate potential energy savings the ISFA program can provide for the BNWRD. This research project suggests an optimum solar array system and financing plan to be used by the BNWRD through the ILSFA program, which can be a replicable model for other areas in the state. Potential vendors and facilities in Illinois intending to utilize the ILSFA program can reference this research to seek a better understanding of the functionality of the program.