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Report on results of the Solar Feasibility Study
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BACKGROUND:
In April 2019, City of Farmers Branch released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit references and technical qualifications from firms to perform a solar feasibility study of City facilities and parcels of City land, including the City's closed landfill next to the Citizen Collection Center. The Department of Sustainability and Public Health interviewed three firms and selected the joint submission from Shor Power and Sea Oak Capital to complete the solar feasibility study.
On June 4, 2019 Farmers Branch City Council approved a contract with Shor Power (Resolution No. 2016-65) to explore the feasibility and cost effectiveness of installing solar infrastructure on city facilities and property with a budget of $49,480.
DISCUSSION:
Based on the summary of the feasibility analysis, it is feasible for the City to build solar on several of the City-owned buildings, predominantly those with a larger rooftop area. The analysis also supports factoring in potential solar power generation from the landfill project in the City's next long term electricity contract. Shor Power has secured an ONCOR subsidy for a portion of the rooftop projects in the amount of $313,000 which would assist the City in its execution of the rooftop projects. Should the City agree with the findings that the projects are feasible, the next step would be to complete the development of the projects so that the estimates herein can be refined to reflect actual costs and numbers which can then be relied upon for installation of the projects.
Discuss results, pros and cons, financial implications and receive direction from Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Manske Library rooftop solar project estimated upfront cost is $580,728. A portion ($114,070) of this cost will come from ONCOR incentives, with a net cost to the City of $466,658. Staff recommends this balance be paid for out of the fund balance.
The Recreation Cente...
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