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Webster Groves signs on to Switch Together solar group-buy; open house and Earth Day popup planned
Summary
City staff described 'Switch Together,' a solar group-buy program that offers bulk discounts and managed installers; the city has agreed to lend its name, will host a Switch Together panel on Earth Day (April 22), and will hold an open house March 26 on a South Elm shared-use path.
City staff and councilors told the Webster Groves council they have signed the city on to Switch Together, a solar group-buy program run with partners (the transcript references the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association) that negotiates bulk pricing and works with specified installers.
The Acting City Manager described Switch Together as a way for residents to access discounted solar hardware (an estimated 20% savings on equipment, as stated in the meeting) and noted that batteries are also available through the program. Staff characterized the city's participation as low risk because the primary role requested of the city is lending its name on program materials; installations and financing remain between residents and the program’s vetted installers.
Councilors said Cool Cities STL will host a Switch Together panel in council chambers on Earth Day, April 22, with representatives from Amron, Renew and the program facilitator expected to speak. The Acting City Manager also announced an open house at the recreation center on March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. about a planned shared-use path on South Elm (between Glendale Road and Watson Road) and encouraged residents to review project displays and provide feedback to Public Works.
Staff and councilors discussed broader sustainability items during the work session: community solar options (a presenter from Amaran described opt-in subscriptions for residents unable to install rooftop panels), an Arbor Day recognition at Larsson Park on April 15, and a note that Solid Waste Management District grant funding is at risk due to state legislation; staff encouraged local advocacy with state senators (Senator Beck was named) to preserve local grant dollars.
The council asked staff to respond about participation within about a week; no fiscal commitment for the city was recorded in the meeting minutes.
Context: Switch Together is a program model that uses group purchasing to lower upfront hardware costs; residents considering the program should attend the March 26 open house and the April 22 Earth Day panel to learn about installers, financing and program terms.
