HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-15-K22 Solarize Waukee Program SupportAGENDA ITEM: K22
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: October 15, 2018
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of a resolution in support of Solarize Waukee
Program
FORMAT:Resolution
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: The Nature Conservancy of Iowa and the Midwest
Renewable Energy Association are organizing a Solar Group Buy to be
called Solarize Waukee between December 2018 and June 2019. They
have requested the support of the Waukee City Council for this program
and asked that a City representative be appointed to the Solarize Waukee
Advisory Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT:
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the resolution.
ATTACHMENTS: I. Proposed Resolution
II. Solarize Waukee presentation (presented to Waukee City
Council at the 10/08/2018 special meeting)
PREPARED BY:Becky Schuett
REVIEWED BY:
PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION –
NAME OF PUBLICATION:
DATE OF PUBLICATION:
THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
RESOLUTION 18-
IN SUPPORT OF A SOLARIZE WAUKEE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City of Waukee, Dallas County, State of Iowa, is a duly organized Municipal
Organization; AND,
WHEREAS, the Nature Conservancy of Iowa in partnership with the City of Waukee and the Midwest
Renewable Energy Association are organizing a Solar Group Buy called Solarize Waukee between
December 2018 and June 2019; AND,
WHEREAS, a Solarize Waukee program is a highly organized and promoted community effort that
enables interested residential and commercial consumers to access volume discounts through choosing
to purchase solar electric systems during a designated period of time; AND,
WHEREAS, the discount is generated through a competitive selection of a solar installer, a process
overseen by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. The greater the number of property owners
who choose to install solar electric systems, the lower the price of all solar electric systems through the
program. The purpose of a the Solarize Waukee program is to increase education of local residents about
solar photovoltaics (PV), increase market penetration of residential and small commercial solar PV
through a group purchasing program, and highlight Waukee’s leadership as an innovative and
sustainable community; AND,
WHEREAS, the voluntary use of solar electricity by private citizens diversifies the electric supply for
our City; AND,
WHEREAS, over time the use of solar electricity saves participating residents money on their electric
bills, retaining that money within the City for further circulation; AND,
WHEREAS, solar electricity generation requires no fossil fuels, and reduces pollutants; AND,
WHEREAS, the City recognizes the promotional benefits of being an innovative and sustainable
community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Waukee, Iowa on this
15th day of October, 2018, will support and endorse the Solarize Waukee program organized by The
Nature Conservancy of Iowa and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, all 501(c)3 nonprofit,
grassroots organizations, that will take place between December 2018 and June 2019 in the following
ways:
1.Assigning Building Official Keith Rash as City of Waukee representative to the Solarize Waukee
Advisory Committee.
2.Allowing the use of City of Waukee logo on promotional materials.
3.Promoting the project details through email, website, flyers, social media, public access TV and
other means as able and appropriate.
4.Streamlining the solar installation permitting process for Group Buy participants.
5.Use of City facilities to host community outreach meetings.
____________________________
William F. Peard, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
RESULTS OF VOTE: AYE NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
Anna Bergman
R. Charles Bottenberg
Courtney Clarke
Shelly Hughes
Larry R. Lyon
Matt Strawn
President,
The Strawn Company
Patrick Snell
External Affairs Coordinator,
The Nature Conservancy
October 2018
A program where homeowners & businesses come
together as a community to purchase and install solar
at reduced prices.
Solar group buys help individuals overcome the financial
and logistical barriers of installing solar by:
1. Providing an educational venue to inform individuals
about solar energy and what to consider when making
an investment in the technology
2. Creating an opportunity for those interested in solar to
participate in a volume discount through a group
purchasing program
What is a Solarize Program?
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY 2
Photo Description
Event photos and solar installation from
Solarize Cedar Rapids and Linn County
Cedar Rapids and Linn County
celebrated the completion of Iowa’s
first Solar Group Buy program in the
fall of 2017.
• 514 people attending 23 events
• 607kWs installed on 104 homes
• $1.5 million dollars in local
investments
Solarize Success Stories
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY 3
Solarize Success Stories
“The interest was there, and we just provided a venue for it. Once again, we blew past our expectations, so we were
excited to see that many people interested in solar - that many people decide it was a good decision for their family,
for their home.”
- Eric Holthaus, Cedar Rapids Sustainability Coordinator
“I am thrilled we are working with residents, businesses, farms, and other organizations throughout Linn County in
order to save them money on solar installations, while also helping the environment in the process.”
-James Hodina, Environmental Public Health Manager, Linn County, IA Public Health
Solarize Johnson County
Completed in September of 2018, the program ended with an
astounding 1.15 megawatts and 180 households participating in
the program.
The Program was organized by Johnson County and six host
municipalities: Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Shueyville,
Solon and West Branch
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY 5
Solarize Success Stories
An innovative way for
Waukee to meet
sustainability goals
A no-cost program for your
community
Empower your homeowners
and businesses to make
their own energy decisions
(and at a lower cost)
Another tool in the economic
toolbox to attract business
by demonstrating
commitment and access to
renewable energy
Innovative Leadership Economic Development
Generate local enthusiasm
through heavily promoted
solar Power Hours
Local Enthusiasm
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY 6
Why Waukee?
Mar 2019Feb 2019Jan 2019Dec 2018Nov 2018Oct 2018 Sept 2018 April
2019 May 2019
Installations
Advisory Team Created
Outreach
and
Education
Program
Set Up
Installations
Homeowner Site Assessments
Issue Request for
Proposal
15 -20 Outreach Sessions
Schedule
Outreach
Sessions
Community Outreach
Select Contractor(s)
Homeowner contracts
with installer
Highlight
installations &
Celebrate Successes!
Solarize Waukee: How Would it Work?
City Role in Solarize Waukee:
1.City Council Resolution of Support
2.Use of City communication vehicles to
market the program
3.Participant(s) on the Advisory Team
4.Use of City facilities to host community
outreach meetings
5.Sharing of success of Solarize Waukee with
others
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY 8
Solarize Waukee:
A Partnership with the City
Contact: Patrick Snell | email: patrick.snell@tnc.org
Thank you