Burlington approves 20-year solar PPA to add PV at animal shelter and recreation site

The Burlington City Council voted April 20 to approve a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Red Lion Burlington Solar LLC to install solar photovoltaic systems at two city-owned locations: the animal shelter and a canopy over parking at the recreation complex.

City staff explained the agreement conveys to the city not only the electricity produced but also the environmental attributes — such as renewable energy credits and the ability to claim emissions reductions. “Under this agreement, the city receives full ownership of those attributes, meaning the city can claim the environmental impact of the project,” staff member Mr. Bird told the council while walking through negotiated contract language.

The PPA is structured so the provider installs and owns the equipment initially and the city purchases power. The city also retains a buyer purchase option at fair market value (determined by negotiation or, if needed, appraisal) if it later decides to buy the installed system outright. Staff told council there is no infrastructure cost to the city at signing; the city agrees to purchase power from the provider for the contract term.

Council members said they were comfortable moving forward even though the agreement was not fully signed at the meeting; staff reported the provider had agreed to the final changes. The council approved the resolution authorizing staff to finalize and execute the agreement by unanimous roll-call vote.