SUSTAINABILITY: BAKKEN HALE

PROPERTY

The system Bakken Hale photovoltaic energy storage system completely powers itself and the entire Bakken Hale Energy Grid consisting of 5 buildings on 10 acres. The property consumes 700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. To fulfill the property’s energy needs without the sun, 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy storage is needed for approximately 72 hours.

Energy grid includes:

• 2 reverse osmosis water processing facilities

• fresh and brackish water irrigation system

• household and drinking water system

• ultraviolet water disinfection system

• pumping station

• wastewater treatment facility

• working organic greenhouse

• 4 beehives producing 120+ lbs. of kiawe and coconut honey per year

• extensive landscaping

• grounds and walkway lighting for security at night

• commercial air conditioning system

• high-speed internet

• Dish Network wireless satellite television

SYSTEM

• A system composed of: 176 kW solar array, 1 MWh battery storage system, 150 kW biodiesel generator solely for emergency backup

• Designed to generate 350 MWh per year

• 2 yrs. planning + 8 months construction– completed June 2015

• Estimated lifetime of approximately 20 years

COMPONENTS

• 512 SunPower 345 watt solar panels (176 kW produced in one hour of bright sunlight on a perfect solar radiance day)

• All Steel I-beam array support coated with custom epoxy to prevent rust in highly corrosive seashore environment

• 44 Aquion Aqueous Hybrid

• Batteries— providing 1 MWh storage (plus three spare in reserve on property)

• Aquion Aqueous Hybrid Ion batteries manufactured in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

• 100% non-toxic materials (MNO2, H2O, carbon, cotton)

• Batteries are 4’ square and weigh 3300 lbs. each (most of the weight is salt water)

• SMA Inverters

• MidNite Charge Controllers

• Tigo maximizers for solar panel optimization

BATTERY AND CONTROL ROOM ENCLOSURE

• 2500 sq. ft. air-conditioned room with 9-inch-thick poured concrete and rebar walls

• Constructed to withstand a 4-foot breaking wave

• Completely waterproof to a 4-foot sea level

BENEFITS

• Non-toxic, non-polluting, safe - no harm to people or the environment

• System reduces CO2 emissions by 98% (300 tons per year). The equivalent of taking 60 cars off the road each day

• Improves quality of life for residents and guests

• No exhaust or fumes

• Silent

• Low Maintenance

• Model of a clean, sustainable energy system that aligns with needs of a pristine and environmentally sensitive site (system is scalable)

• Estimated payback period of 6 to 7 years (pays for itself when compared to running propane generators)

• All systems analysis and monitoring can be performed remotely by systems engineers

While Earl Bakken welcomed many guests to his home, Bakken Hale is a private residence and not available for tours.