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Committee approves DOE‑funded accessible solar contract with WindFree Solar
Summary
The committee approved a contract with WindFree Solar to install rooftop systems on lower‑ and middle‑income single‑ and multifamily homes using a 2022 Department of Energy earmark; staff said the city will front costs and be reimbursed and that Renewable Energy Certificates will be retired through Illinois Shines.
The Administration & Public Works Committee approved a contract to launch the Evanston Accessible Solar Program with WindFree Solar, a local firm recommended by staff to install rooftop photovoltaic systems for lower‑ and middle‑income homeowners and small multifamily buildings.
Kirsten Drehobovega of the city’s Sustainability & Resilience Division told the committee the program is funded by a 2022 Department of Energy earmark. The city will front project costs and be reimbursed by the DOE; Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated by the installations will be retired through the Illinois Shines program.
During questions, council members asked why a lower per‑watt bidder (Unity Solar Group) was not selected. Drehobovega said Unity proposed a six‑year lease‑to‑own arrangement the city and staff judged potentially onerous for homeowners and the city; WindFree’s proposal was more comprehensive across system sizes, staff said. Installations are targeted for 2026.
Council members also requested clear eligibility and outreach procedures; staff said they have circulated an interest survey, will use electricity bills and community development staff to verify income eligibility against area median income standards, and will finalize application procedures before program rollout.
The committee voted 6–0 to approve the contract and move the program forward.
