REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Solar Installations on City Facilities (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
On July 15, 2014, Environmental Services Department (ESD) staff completed Study Issue ESD 13-01 Power Purchase Agreements for Alternative Energy Allocation (RTC No. 14-0029). The Study Issue resulted in the identification of four City facilities as feasible locations for solar energy solutions to offset the sites’ energy needs through either a Power Purchase Agreement or Direct Purchase Agreement. The locations include the SMaRT Station, Corporation Yard, Ortega Well, and Baylands Park. Between 2014 and 2016, ESD worked with the project consultant, the City’s Purchasing Division, and the City Attorney’s Office to develop a procurement strategy which leverages the regional solar power procurement administered by Alameda County and worked to prepare procurement documents including template agreements, site specific requirements, and technical specifications.
In May of 2016, because of the complexities of the project, ESD reached out to the Department of Public Works (DPW) for assistance and it was determined that the implementation of the project should be completed by DPW. Information on this transition was included in the May 31, 2016, City Manager’s Blog. Since the project was not included in DPW’s work plan it was going to be accommodated as capacity developed.
DISCUSSION
Significant next steps are still required before the Solar Installation project moves forward to construction. These include completing the procurement process and selecting a vendor, determining whether the City will own the solar panels or enter into a Purchase Power Agreement, and acquiring building permits.
Currently, the consultant retained by DPW has developed revised site exhibits for the four locations with updated system sizes and outputs. The sizes have shifted based on capacity and demand at each of the sites. These revised exhibits were completed last week and will be included in the procurement. Based on similar projects at other jurisdictions, it is anticipated that construction will be completed in mid-2018.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
Staff
Prepared by: Allie Hood, Senior Engineer
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Walter C. Rossmann, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager