HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Board of Trustees Work Session
July 17, 2012
The Board of Trustees of Harford Community College met on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at
9:00 a.m. in the Chesapeake Center Board Room.
Trustees present: Mrs. Doris G. Carey; Rev. Cordell E. Hunter, Sr.; Mr. John F. Haggerty
(arrived at 9:15 a.m.); Mr. Richard D. Norling; Mr. Bradley R. Stover; and, Dr. Dennis
Golladay as Secretary-Treasurer
Trustees absent: Mrs. April L. Fritts; Mr. Bryan E. Kelly; and Dr. James J. Valdes
Staff present: D. Cruise, G. Deal, V. Dodson, S. Garey, R. Johnson, B. Morrison, A. Pagura,
C. Sherman, and D. Wrobel
Others present: F. Alvandi, P. Bollinger, and Robert Rabe, Tecta Solar; E. Stark, College
Counsel
Call to Order. B. Stover called the work session to order.
Roll Call. Carol Sherman called the roll; quorum was present.
College staff have been working on a potential purchase power agreement for solar energy
panels. Initially it was anticipated that the matter would be brought to the Board at the regularly
scheduled August meeting. The estimated savings in energy costs with an August award was
projected to be $960,000. In June, it was learned that an additional savings of approximately
$120,000 could be achieved if award could be make earlier to take advantage of the accelerated
depreciation allowance which expires at the end of the year. To qualify for the depreciation
allowance, the solar facility must be connected to the grid and in ordinary service by
December 31, 2012. The seller believes the deadline can be met if the award is made before
July 25.
R. Johnson offered opening remarks and spoke in support of the project noting the financial
benefit.
Presentations covered
 background history;
 results of the request for proposal;
 overview of the contract terms;
 maintenance and operation of the system; and
 project components addressing education and sustainability.
Board of Trustees Work Session
07/17/12
Page 2
D. Wrobel described the science involved for production of electricity. V. Dodson provided
background information reporting that the College issued a request for proposal (RFP) in January
inviting sealed proposals for the design, installation, and maintenance of a roof mounted
photovoltaic energy system through a purchase power agreement for four buildings –
Susquehanna extension, Chesapeake Center, the Student Center and Joppa Hall.
Fifteen proposals were received in response to the College’s RFP. An evaluation team reviewed
these proposals, and two bidders – Tecta Solar and Seven Seas Energy – were shortlisted and
invited to make oral presentations. Following oral presentations, the firms submitted best and
final pricing. Based on the best technical proposal and lowest cost, the evaluation team
recommends Tecta Solar. Tecta Solar is a division of Tecta America Corporation and Tecta is the
largest commercial roof contracting company in the United States with 50 offices and over 3,200
employees nationwide, and 2012 revenues of $410 million.
Under the negotiated purchase power agreement, Harford Community College would commit to
a 20-year term to buy the electricity generated from an array of solar panels atop Susquehanna
addition, Chesapeake Center, Student Center, and Joppa Hall roofs. At the end of the 20-year
term, the College will have the option to purchase the system at fair market value or request the
seller to remove the system.
During the discussion, J. Haggerty raised the issue of the College’s energy consumption related
to campus lighting and expressed concern with the amount of illumination late in the evening. He
suggested that a cost savings could be realized with reduced light after hours. In response,
S. Garey explained that some lights on campus are owned by the College and some are owned by
BGE. While the College can adjust the lights it owns, BGE controls the lights it owns. Staff have
worked with BGE to effect a reduction in BGE lighting after hours, but have been unsuccessful.
R. Norling offered to follow-up with the Maryland Energy Commission for assistance in this
matter.
S. Garey commented on the positive experience the College has had with the solar panels on
Aberdeen Hall. He indicated maintenance is minimal. Other points noted:
 No penetration of the roof is required for installation of the panels.
 Roof warranty will be honored.
 Structural engineer has inspected the roofs to ensure they can support the solar panel load.
Representatives from Tecta Solar – Robert Rabe, vice president business development; Patrick
Bollinger, construction manager; and Foad Alvandi, electrical engineer – discussed the
experience of the firm, affirmed information on the integrity of the roofs on which the solar
panels would be placed, and referred to the monitoring system which provides information to
Tecta on energy production and any anomalies which would serve as an alert to check the
system.
D. Wrobel discussed the College’s commitment to sustainability and environmental
responsibility and the further commitment to model practices to the community. She referred to
campus tours highlighting the College’s endeavors in the sustainability arena. She stated the
Board of Trustees Work Session
07/17/12
Page 3
proposed project supports national, state and community efforts in using sustainable energy,
benefits the environment, and offers additional opportunities for modeling and teaching.
One issue that was raised during previous consideration of solar panels related to disposal of the
panels at the end of the life-cycle and the impact on the environment. There have been
improvements in solar panels and more content can be recycled/reused; it is expected that over
the term of the 20-year lease technology will be sufficiently established to have the panels fully
recyclable.
R. Norling reported that the State of Maryland has four large buildings with solar arrays and
experience has been positive. He expressed support for the project.
Motion was made by J. Haggerty, seconded by R. Norling and the work session adjourned at
10:40 a.m.
____________________________________
Dennis Golladay
Secretary-Treasurer
____________________________________
Bryan E. Kelly
Chair