Fiscal Note
The 2017 Adopted Capital Budget includes $750,000 within Engineering-Facilities Management for the Sustainability Improvements program. The focus of the program is on implementation of the Madison Sustainability Plan via solar installations and energy efficient upgrades throughout the City. The proposed resolution authorizes a contract with RENEW Wisconsin for the development of a solar group purchasing program at an estimated cost of $22,000.
MUNIS:
11576-401-200.
Title
Funding a Solar Group Buy Program in 2017.
Body
Whereas, the City of Madison has been a Solar America City since 2007 and is committed to promoting solar technology adoption at the local level;
Whereas, the City of Madison's Sustainability Plan contains a goal to achieve a 80% carbon emissions reduction by 2050;
Whereas, the City of Madison is also pursuing a goal of 100% renewable energy per Resolution #45569;
Whereas, the continued expansion of solar generation will enable the City of Madison to reduce greenhouse gas emissions community-wide and lead other municipalities by example;
Whereas, a favorable combination in 2017 of Focus on Energy renewable energy incentives, a 30% federal investment tax credit, and declining installation costs is certain to heighten interest in rooftop solar among City of Madison residents;
Whereas, the City of Madison's Group Buy solar program, MadiSUN, has helped hundreds of businesses and thousands of residents learn more about solar energy and provided free solar site assessments to hundreds of City of Madison residents;
Whereas, the 2016 MadiSUN program enabled 42 families to install 194 kilowatts of solar energy, investing more than $600,000 into the local clean energy economy and creating jobs;
Whereas, the offer of a additional solar energy group buying opportunity in 2017 would further drive down installation costs in Madison, similar to the 14% cost savings achieved in 2016;
Whereas, the City established in 2016 a solar loan ...
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