Solar Applications for Water and Wastewater Facilities

March 4, 2025 | Online :: Central Time

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“EUCI provides flexible, engaging courses in an online format, allowing me to gain valuable knowledge without travel!” — Wholesale Contracts Administrator II, Dominion Energy

“I appreciated EUCI’s ability to deliver valuable, real-time information remotely. I’ll be back for more!” — Senior Electrical Engineer, NiSource

“No matter what your experience level, you will always learn something new in these classes.” — Manager Markets Ops Accounting, Xcel Energy

As municipalities and utility directors face increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints and operational costs, solar energy offers a compelling pathway toward sustainable facility management. This conference will feature real-world case studies demonstrating successful solar applications, technical discussions, and financial insights on how solar power can be effectively applied to water and wastewater treatment plants. Attendees will learn about various technologies, including ground-mounted arrays, floating solar systems, rooftop installations, and innovative energy storage solutions. With a focus on available incentives for municipalities and practical financial analysis, this conference will equip attendees with the knowledge to pursue solar energy solutions effectively.

Learning Outcomes

• Discover how solar energy can help mitigate emissions and promote sustainability in water and wastewater facilities
• Evaluate different solar applications for water and wastewater facilities
• Discover benefits, challenges, and financial considerations of implementing various types of solar installations
• Discover available incentives, PPAs, and financial structures that can make solar energy projects viable and cost-effective for municipalities and utilities
• Analyze technical design options for solar efficiency
• Examine detailed case studies for how specific facilities have integrated solar to enhance resilience, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability goals
• Gain insights into floating solar applications including cost, operation and maintenance, and comparison with ground and rooftop systems
• Explore current and emerging regulations around solar project decommissioning to prepare for end-of-life planning
• Develop practical knowledge for solar project implementation

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 : Central Time

8:55 – 9:00 a.m. :: Overview and Instructions

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. :: The Water Sector’s Carbon Footprint: Implications and Solutions

This presentation will provide an overview of the impact of climate change on the water and wastewater sector (e.g., infrastructure damage from stronger storms, drought limiting supplies). Topics discussed will be the carbon footprint of the water & wastewater utility sector including direct emissions and electricity use. Lastly, we will highlight key examples of utilities deploying solar strategies to meet sustainability targets. The presentation will serve as an introduction into why water utilities should care about carbon emissions and consider renewable solutions.

Amber Walsh, Senior Analyst, Bluefield Research

9:30 – 10:15 a.m. :: Photovoltaics on Wastewater Treatment Plants: The Application and Incentives Behind Solar Arrays

The presenters from HOLT Renewables, a solar EPC with experience working on wastewater treatment plants, will share practical information on several solar applications such as ballasted arrays, floating solar, carports, and rooftop installations. Additionally, this presentation will cover the growing energy storage market as well as examples of financial analysis for facilities, available incentives for municipalities, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and advantageous locations regarding on-site solar across the United States.

Kevin Chavez, Sales Operations Manager, HOLT Renewables

Calvin Horton, Project Development Engineer, HOLT Renewables

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. :: Morning Break

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. :: Overview of Solar + Storage Incentives for Municipalities

This session will give an overview of solar, storage, and solar + storage incentives available around the country from states and utilities. This will touch on tax and   other incentives that might apply to local governments and their partners as well as trends in the solar policy space.

Vincent Potter, Senior Policy Analyst, NC Clean Energy Technology Center

11:15 – 11:45 a.m. :: Maximizing Solar Efficiency: Comparing Tracking Systems vs. Fixed Mounts for Commercial Solar Installations

This session will examine the viability of fixed-tilt versus single-axis and dual-axis tracking commercial solar installations. Presenters will explore key differences in energy production, installation cost, land use, and maintenance considerations. By evaluating the advantages and challenges of each option, the presentation will help businesses and developers better determine the best approach to future solar projects.

Eric Moyer, Business Development and Strategy Manager, Nelnet Renewable Energy

Travis Kepler, Manager of Project Delivery, Nelnet Renewable Energy

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. :: Case Study: Powering Sustainability: Renewable Energy and Resiliency Integration at Pendleton WWTRRF

As the demand for resilient infrastructure grows, the Pendleton Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility (WWTRRF) is advancing energy independence through renewable energy and innovative storage solutions. This presentation will highlight how the facility’s diverse onsite renewable resources—including a ground-mount solar tracking array, solar canopy, and microturbines—together with the soon-to-be-completed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), are enhancing grid stability and reducing costs for ratepayers. By generating electricity onsite, WWTRRF eases pressure on the local grid, strengthening overall system resilience. This discussion will explore the wide-ranging benefits of this approach, such as the solar canopy’s role in shading critical infrastructure to reduce bio-growth, and provide key insights from integrating microturbines and solar tracking systems. The facility has also successfully utilized various funding and financing opportunities to deliver projects with favorable paybacks for the community. Discover how these innovations are setting a new standard for sustainable, cost-effective wastewater treatment, benefiting both the community and the environment.

Kyle Willman, WWTRRF Superintendent, City of Pendleton

Kathleen Kelleher, Account Executive, Ameresco

12:45 – 1:30 p.m. :: Lunch Break

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. :: Applications and Unique Advantages of Floating Solar PV

This presentation will cover various applications of floating solar PV, including water and wastewater treatment facilities, power plant cooling ponds, reservoirs and hydroelectric dam sites, retention ponds, and mining ponds and lakes. As well as other unique applications. This presentation will look into the advantages of solar PV on the water, comparisons to ground mount and roof mount systems including cost comparisons for CAPEX, as well as O&M and warranty.

Thomas J. Lang, CTO, AccuSolar

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. :: Case Study: Incorporating Floating Solar Systems at Water Treatment Facilities

This presentation provides an in-depth case study of the floating solar project implemented at the Southern Regional Water Supply Facility in southwest Florida. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how floating solar can be a viable, sustainable solution for powering water treatment facilities, while also contributing to broader renewable energy goals.

Stetson Tchividjian, Director of Business Development, D3Energy

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

3:15 – 4:00 p.m. :: Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Solar Project Decommissioning

First-generation solar projects are quickly reaching the end of their useful lives. At the same time, an unprecedented number of new projects will be installed in the coming years. In response, many states are creating regulatory requirements applicable to solar facility decommissioning and end-of-life issues. These new regulations will require, in many cases, comprehensive end-of-life planning to avoid unanticipated costs and to ensure that sites are properly decommissioned. This presentation will cover existing and emerging state and federal regulations as well as considerations for developers, landowners, lessees, and local governments.

Dietrich Hoefner, Partner, Lewis Roca

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. :: Case Study: Using Solar Energy to Power a Montana City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant

Clean energy at no cost to the city’s rate payers. What’s not to like? This presentation will share a compelling story about the planning, design, and construction of the largest ground mounted solar array in western Montana. This array was constructed at virtually no cost to the citizens of Missoula and produces 20% of the wastewater treatment plant’s electrical needs.

Ross Mollenhauer, PE, Engineering Manager, City of Missoula

Amber Walsh, Senior Analyst, Bluefield Research

Amber Walsh is a senior analyst focusing on residential, commercial and industrial trends shaping water market strategies for vendors and corporate stakeholders. Amber’s areas of expertise include corporate sustainability, light industry, and market sizing. Amber holds a BS in Environmental Science and Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

 

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Kevin Chavez, Sales Operations Manager, HOLT Renewables

Kevin Chavez is responsible for originating and developing HOLT Renewable’s commercial and industrial client relationships, while expanding the company’s footprint in the United States. Kevin has nearly a decade of experience within the financial services industry. He was responsible for sales efforts for portfolios comprised of commercial real estate, direct lending, and specialty asset classes both internally and externally at his previous firm. He has directly represented a public renewable energy portfolio that manages just over $350 million in renewable energy assets. He also had the opportunity to develop the sales strategy and infrastructure for an international impact investment fund, TriLinc Global, which manages over $250 million of investor capital. He intends on leveraging his financial background to best position solar development opportunities for clients throughout the country. Kevin earned his B.S from Arizona State University in Technological Entrepreneurship and Management, after having attended United States Air Force Academy, where he had the great experience of playing college football.

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Dietrich Hoefner, Partner, Lewis Roca

Dietrich is a partner in Lewis Roca’s Litigation Practice Group who focuses on complex regulatory matters, including strategies to address and anticipate changing regulations affecting end-of-life issues for renewable energy facilities. With a decade of experience, Dietrich has handled a wide variety of matters relating to environmental permitting, energy project development, utilities regulation, and other regulated industries.

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Calvin Horton, Project Development Engineer, HOLT Renewables

Calvin Horton serves as a Project Development Engineer for HOLT Renewables. In this role he aids the project development team by leading site surveys, providing customer education on renewable energy, performing preliminary engineering activities including but not limited to feasibility studies, design, and energy modeling. He began his career at CED Greentech (Now Greentech Renewables) in Raleigh, NC designing photovoltaic arrays for homeowners throughout the United States. He has received a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Technology with a Minor in Building Sciences from Appalachian State University. He volunteers with his Alma Mater as an industry mentor to their Solar District Cup team. Calvin Horton is a Board Certified NABCEP PV Installation Professional, NABCEP PV Associate, & OSHA 30 certified. He is also an FAA 107 certified Remote Aircraft Pilot-in-Command focused on the effective use of drone technology within the renewable energy and construction industries. In addition to a deep knowledge of solar PV technology, he is also familiar with energy efficient building design, HVAC, Wind Energy, Hydro-Electric Power Generation, and Solar Thermal Technology.

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Kathleen Kelleher, Account Executive, Ameresco

Kathleen Kelleher is an Account Executive at Ameresco, specializing in renewable energy projects and Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC). With a background in engineering and water treatment, she is passionate about solving challenges and providing tailored solutions for her clients. Focused on sustainability and cost efficiency, Kathleen helps clients secure funding and implement impactful energy projects that drive long-term value.

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Travis Kepler, Manager of Project Delivery, Nelnet Renewable Energy

Travis has been a part of the Nelnet Renewable Energy team since 2012. Travis has an extensive construction background as well as technical design experience with degrees in Manufacturing Engineering and Computer Programming. Travis utilizes the latest technology along with CAD design to navigate project development and design. He primarily operates in the design and procurement space, but he also plays a dynamic role as he remains involved in projects as a crew lead & project manager when needed. He also assists our Operations & Maintenance group, supporting internal projects as well as offering third-party support for customers. Travis holds degrees in Manufacturing Engineering and Computer Programming.

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Thomas J. Lang, CTO, AccuSolar

Mr. Lang has specialized in the area of Floating solar since 2018 and has spoken at many industry seminars on the subject. He lives in Florida with his wife and handles the business development of Accusolar’s Floating PV Systems as well as being an Adjunct Professor at Westcliffe University. 

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Ross Mollenhauer, PE, Engineering Manager, City of Missoula

Ross is a civil engineer, a father, an avid recreationist, and a recovering raft guide.  After moving to Missoula from his native state of New Jersey in 2003, Ross began working his dream job as a raft guide on western Montana rivers.  Quickly realizing he had a river addiction problem, Ross refocused his career and became a civil engineer with Morrison-Maierle, Inc., where he worked for ten years before joining the City of Missoula’s Engineering Department.  Ross has worked on all kinds of civil infrastructure projects, from water-main replacements to wastewater treatment plant upgrades to bridges and trails.  Ross is grateful to work for a City that is focused on addressing climate change and is always looking for more carbon reduction solutions.  When not working or playing with his wife and children, Ross plays hockey, runs the north hills, floats the gorge, scouts for elk, or climbs nearby peaks. 

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Eric Moyer, Business Development and Strategy Manager, Nelnet Renewable Energy

Eric is a two-time alumnus of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Marketing, Communication and Advertising (MCA). He has worked in the solar industry since 2016, with experience in every aspect of marketing, sales, design, installation, and maintenance of solar and battery systems. At Nelnet Renewable Energy, Eric is responsible for identifying C&I opportunities and acting as the primary point of contact for developer relationships. Eric holds a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®), Photovoltaic Technical Sales, Board Certification as well as manufacturer certifications in design and installation of solar power systems from CPS, Generac, SolarEdge and is a Tesla Certified Installer. Eric is a Nebraska native who is proud to call Lincoln, Nebraska home.

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Vincent Potter, Senior Policy Analyst, NC Clean Energy Technology Center

Vincent Potter is a Senior Policy Analyst at the NC Clean Energy Technology Center. He researches electric-sector actions in solar, grid modernization, energy storage, electric vehicles, and more for the Center’s Policy and Markets Team. Vincent also works on the Clean Tech Center’s Community Solar and Energy Resiliency grant projects with several public power authorities throughout the state.

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Stetson Tchividjian, Director of Business Development, D3Energy

Stetson Tchividjian is the Director of Business Development for D3Energy. Based out of South Florida, D3Energy is a solar developer that exclusively focuses on floating solar. having built and developed the most systems in the United States, including projects for major entities like the U.S. Army, Comcast, Duke Energy, Miami-Dade County & Florida Power & Light.  Mr. Tchividjian earned a BS degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from Liberty University.

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Kyle Willman, WWTRRF Superintendent, City of Pendleton

Kyle Willman is the Superintendent of the Pendleton Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility (WWTRRF). With over a decade of experience in wastewater management, Kyle has played a key role in overseeing the integration of renewable energy solutions, including solar power and cogeneration systems. His expertise spans across operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance, where he ensures optimal performance through innovative energy management practices. Kyle is committed to enhancing the facility’s resilience by implementing forward-thinking projects like the solar canopy and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), designed to reduce energy costs and support grid stability. A two-time recipient of the Wastewater Operator of the Year Award, Kyle’s leadership is grounded in his technical skills, dedication to sustainability, and passion for improving community infrastructure.

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
• You will receive a separate email with a unique link to a personalized landing page which will include links to join all sessions of this event.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

Please Note: Confirmed speakers do not need to register and are encouraged to participate in all sessions of the event. If you are a speaker and have any questions please contact our offices at 1.303.770.8800

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Solar Applications for Water and Wastewater Facilities

March 4, 2025 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before January 31, 2025 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.6 CEUs for this event

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Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must long on and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Power Point presentations, Q&A and open discussion

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 7.0
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

• Sustainability officers
• Water & wastewater operation and facility managers
• Water resource managers
• Utility regulatory managers
• Utility directors
• Municipal and government planners
• Electrical and civil engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Solar project managers
• Solar and battery storage developers
• Solar consultants
• Finance directors
• Operations and maintenance specialists