A Solar Energy Case Study

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Electric Dredge and Solar Array | The Aztec Materials sand mining operation was acquired by Delaware Valley Concrete, a firm that specializes in producing exceptional-quality product for concrete and sand buyers. The site is situated on 300 acres of property in Hammonton, NJ, consisting of sandpit and, formerly, a diesel crane and dredge. The labor-intensive operation relied heavily on trucks to transport sand across the site to screens that filtered out larger pieces. Aztec Materials enlisted Practical Energy Solutions, now a division of SSM, to provide comprehensive energy and sustainability services. The client’s operation now leverages an ecologically sound electric dredge powered by a large solar array.

Services

  • Grant Acquisition Services
    - Calculations on energy savings, energy use reductions & emissions

  • Engineering Analysis

  • Financial Services
    - Technical and Financial Review
    - Cash Flow Analysis
    - Life Cycle Analysis

  • Land Development Plan

  • Erosion and Sedimentation Control

  • Permitting Support

  •  Utility Connection Coordination

  • Solar Renewable Energy Credits
    - Utility Contract Negotiation
    - Ongoing SREC Applications

  • Array Add-Ons to Monitor Output

  • Reporting

USDA REAP Energy Efficiency Grant
The team acquired a $250,000 Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to purchase a new electric pump/dredge, to eliminate diesel fuel use.

USDA REAP Renewable Energy Grant
The 2nd grant acquired for the client was in the amount of $327,000 for a solar photovoltaic array to power close to 100% of initial scope and reduce their environmental footprint. Aztec Materials has since expanded their operations, and the solar array covers the majority of the new total electricity demand. This solar array should last 20 to 25 years.

Project Benefits
With energy cost savings, SREC savings and a 30% federal tax credit, the solar array paid for itself in under 4 years. In addition to satisfying a 10-year loan on the solar array the client will have saved $1.8 million net. Converting the new dredge from grid electricity to solar electricity reduces its environmental impact to almost zero. Considering the towering electricity costs in southern New Jersey, the solar array provides a strong financial and economic benefit for the company, as well as an environmental benefit for the region.