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Home My WebLink AboutSUPPTL INFO - Res No. 08-12 �� ClearEdge Fo�r,�r � � The Power of Change" January 24, 2008 Palm Desert Ciry Council 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 RE: Request for Consideration of Fee Free Permits for Installation of Fuel Cell Systems Dear Honorable Mayor Jean Benson and City Council Members, We respectfully request the Council to authorize fee free permit and plan check fees for the installation of fuel cell systems within the City of Palm Desert. We have contacted the City of Palm Desert Building and Safety Department, and the permit and plan check fee has been quoted at$240 for a typical 5kW fuel cell system. The City of Palm Desert has a stated objective to reduce citywide energy consumption of 30% by 2011. This is a reduction of more than 215 million kWh. Fuel Cell systems can play an important role in achieving that monumental and ambitious goal. Currently the City of Palm Desert has no fuel cell systems installed in its city limits. Each 5kW fuel cell installed represents a reduction in citywide consumption by 43,800 kWh. CtearEdge anticipates installing 200 of its CE5 units in both residential and commercial applications per annum in Palm Desert. This will represent a reduction of 8.76 million kWh per year, or 4%of the city's objective. By 2011, this would represent 26.2 million kWh, or a little more than 12%of the total energy reduction plan. The ClearEdge Power CE5 is a combined heat and power system. The system utilizes a proprietary fuel cell technology to convert natural gas efficiently into both electricity and heat. Designed as a 5,000 watt (5kW)system, it is ideally suited for offsetting large amounts of grid electricity on a continuous, 24/7 basis. Electricity is either used in the building to reduce grid consumption or net metered back onto the grid to drive down high electric bills, similar to net metering with solar. The heat is available for use in the house or business for heating hot water, pools, and space heating. By utilizing up to 85%of the available energy in natural gas, the system achieves low energy costs in the$0.06 to$0.09 per kWh range, and a CO2 emission reduction of more than 30°/a when compared to sourcing power from the utility. ClearEdge Power, incorporated in 2003, currently has offices in Palo Alto, CA and its design and manufacturing facilities in the Portland, OR area. In early 2008, we will be establishing an office in Palm Desert for sales and customer technical support. We are excited to bring this new energy system to Palm Desert, giving residents and businesses an efficient and environmentally sound alternative to grid power in both new and existing construction. While purchasers of fuel cell based systems are incentivized by a Federal tax credit and the California State rebates, the investment is still a significant one for most homeowners and small businesses. A waiver of these permit and plan check fees would encourage more architects and builders to include Fuel Cells in their planning as part of an overall energy mitigation strategy, in addition to accelerating market adoption with the homeowners. Your consideration is greatly appreciated and I believe together we can offer a very compelling solution toward Palm DeserYs environmental and energy reduction goals. ClearEdge Power Corp. 3000 Alpine Road Menlo Park,California 94028 P (877)257-3343 ClearEdgePower.com While we have had the opportunity to brief Palm Desert's Director of Building and Safety and the Director of Energy Management, our team is also available for a presentation to the City Council, if convenient. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working closely with the Ciry of Palm Desert to help it achieve a leadership position in citywide energy reduction. Best regards, �� Wlliam R. Sproull SVP Business Development&Administration cc: Mr. Carlos Ortega, Palm Desert City Manager ClearEdge Power Corp. 3000 Alpine Road Menlo Park,California 94028 P:(877)257-3343 ClearEdgePower.corn CE 5 Home Power & Heating ; 5kW System . � ��:_: ; il.,., �fi�.. :-_.___. .. ------ — — � � � System Performance � � i Energy System m-CHP' Electrical Output 5,000 watts(120/240V AC/Grid compatible) Heat Output 24,000 BTU/hour at 150 degrees F Fuel Natural Gas or PropaneZ i Unconditional Warranty 5 years with Worry-Free ServiceT"" � System Efficiency >80°�overall power and heat to the home Potential Hydronic Applications Hot Water/ Radiant Floor Heating Spa/ Pool/Sauna/De-Icing i Start-up Time <1 minute from stand-by i <1 hour from cold start Operating Environment -10 degrees F to 115 degrees F � � . Operating Altitude Up to 6,000 feet without de-rating power Monitoring Continuous monitoring for service and ; customer use via secure internet � I �—..------------ -------------- ----- I i ; Prode,ct Specifications Dimensions W: 34 inches D: 26 inches H: 65 inches : : Weight 1,0501bs. Noise 60 dBA�3 feet Seismic Zone 4 of UBC Location Indoor/outdoor Certifications& Registrations CSA/ FC1-2004/ NFPA 853, 54, 70 ' Micro-Combined Heat&Power(industry category) � z Renewable fuel models are in development 'Guaranteed Worry-Free Service'"agreement for 5 years,additional extended warranties available -.. . _... _.. ..: For more information: � ' • � �� (877) 257-3343 CI@BfEC�g2 � POWER ClearEdgePoweccom The Power of Change , ClearEdge Power,Inc.reserves the nght to change CES product performance and specifications. � _— CE 5 Home Power & Heating ; 5kW System A New Choice What hybrid technofogy has done for cars is now available for your home. Efficient, affordable and reliable energy with clear environmental benefits. A new home energy system, from the leader in compact power and heating solutions, gives you the power to change your energy costs. Cost Savings Performance The CE5 uses fuel cell technology to produce two important home energy needs,electricity and heat, from one efficient source.With an operating cost below 10 cents per kWh',you II realize immediate savings—and avoid costly high tier rates for your electricity. And by seiling excess eledricity back to the grid (net-metering), you II see even more savings off your monthly utility bill. Environmental Benefits Its safe, clean and quiet. Clean natural gas is efficiently converted to electricity and heat for your home. The CE5 operates without burning fuel, greatly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.And since its overall efFiciency is greater than 80°�,the CE5 uses fewer natural resources to meet your home energy needs.Which is good for you and the environment. Lifestyle and Comfort The CE5 gives you the peace-of-mind that comes with an uninterrupted, reliable source of power. The ClearEdge CES is a new generation No power-outages, no brown-outs.And by using combined heat and power(CHP)system the free heat for your hot-water needs,you II be designed for those looking to cut energy costs in iheir home while making a positive able to live comfortably in your high-performance, ;mpact on climate change by reducing energy efFicient home. CO2 emissions. ' Based on natural gas rate of$1.20/therm For more information, call(877)257-3343 or visii www ClearEdgePower.com