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City accepts DOE award, authorizes rooftop solar GMP for Countryside and North Greenwood
Summary
Council accepted a U.S. Department of Energy award of $949,500 to fund solar arrays at four city facilities and authorized a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $1,093,414.20 for rooftop solar work at Countryside Library and North Greenwood Recreation Center, with staff estimating 4–7 year paybacks after incentives.
City staff asked the City Council on Nov. 3 to accept a federal Department of Energy award of $949,500 for the Clearwater Solar Panel Project and to authorize a guaranteed maximum price to procure rooftop installations at two city facilities.
Cassie Cordova, sustainability and environmental manager, said the DOE award requires a 50% local match and will fund solar installations at City Hall, the Long Center, Countryside Library and the North Greenwood Recreation Center. Cordova said City Hall and the Long Center already had solar included in their construction budgets; the DOE funds will allow the city to advance the remaining two projects. She said the four projects together are estimated to save the city approximately $2.9 million in utility costs over 30 years, with payback periods between four and seven years after incentives. The projects are also expected to qualify for a 30% federal elective pay cash refund.
Council also authorized a GMP of $1,093,414.20 to Vandy’s construction for rooftop solar installations at Countryside Library and the North Greenwood Recreation Center. Staff noted Vandy’s has completed prior city solar projects and that funding is available. Councilmembers praised the staff effort to stack grants and incentives to reduce the projects’ payback periods and to make the installations financially attractive to the city.
