Location: BT Infonet, A Broadreach Capital Partners property in El Segundo, CA Tenant: British Telecom System Size: 500 kW-AC Energy Output: 917,000 kWh per year, about 15% of customer energy requirements Type of Installation: Elevated single-axis tracking over south parking lot No. of Modules: 2,000 Case Study PDF

	"More real estate investors look for green buildings, and more new and established funds are dedicated to buying green buildings and promoting energy efficiency. To the extent that this opens the door to that level of investor, that means more people will be interested, and more interested parties usually means more value. We're confident that this solar project appeals to many private equity funds that focus on environmentally-friendly real estate. We know we're adding value." - David Simon, Managing Director, Broadreach Capital Partners

Broadreach Capital Partners, a global real estate investment firm, was asked by British Telecom (BT), the prime tenant at its BT Infonet property in El Segundo, CA, to develop an innovative solar energy installation on the site.

Like any real estate investor, Broadreach needs to balance capital expenditures against expected return. If a solar project requires longer to pay for itself than the owner intends to hold the asset, the owner needs to ask, will the solar project present some impediment if and when the owner wishes to sell?

EI Solutions (EIS) was chosen by British Telecom to create a 500 kW-AC solar electricity system that takes advantage of the building's extensive exposure. EIS designed the system, procured the equipment, and obtained governmental approvals, which delivers 917,000 kWh per year, about 15% of BT's energy requirements for the site. When fully operational, the system will reduce carbon emissions by 642,000 pounds (291.2 metric tons) annually, and help offset BT's future power costs. The system qualified for rebates under the California Solar Initiative (CSI) that will accelerate the return on investment. Broadreach, EI Solutions and BT engaged in a smooth, successful three-company collaboration that reinforced Broadreach's excellent relationship with BT and its reputation for flexibility and service.

While quantifying the dollar value of the enhancement at BT Infonet is impossible, Broadreach is confident that solar enhances the future value of the building for a market that increasingly seeks premium properties with solar, LEED certification and green traits associated with energy management best practices.