Brentwood sustainability panel votes to join 'Switch Together' solar bulk‑purchase program

The Brentwood Sustainability Commission voted to recommend that the city participate as a municipal partner in Switch Together, a bulk‑purchase residential solar program run by the Missouri Botanical Garden in partnership with regional groups.

Staff recommended the partnership as a low-cost option to expand resident access to vetted solar installers: the city would host a link or program page, allow co‑branding, and promote enrollment through its communications channels while the program handles bids and contractor vetting. "We're making the recommendation, to, approve participation in the switch together program," a staff member said when presenting the proposal.

Commission members debated the mechanics and timing: staff said there is no direct municipal cost and that Switch Together plans to finalize participating municipalities by June 1 and publish personalized quotes in mid‑July. One commissioner emphasized consumer protection benefits, noting the program helps screen bad actors in the home‑solar market.

After discussion a motion was made and seconded and the commission approved recommending municipal participation. Staff said they would confirm the municipal‑partner agreement and provide materials to share on the city's sustainability page.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Recommend Brentwood participate in the Switch Together program; motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Related motions recorded during the meeting: agenda approval and minutes approval (both approved by voice vote); motion to adjourn approved at the end of the meeting.

Next steps: staff will finalize the municipal partner confirmation, assemble promotional materials for the city's sustainability page and coordinate with the program to ensure residents can register without obligation.