Title
Approval of a Resolution Accepting a Department of Commerce Grant to Install Solar Panels at the Olympia Main Fire Station
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution to accept grant funds from the Department of Commerce to install new solar panels at the Olympia Main Fire Station.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution accepting a Department of Commerce grant to install solar panels at the Olympia Main Fire Station.
Staff Contact:
Eli Cole, Facility Manager, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8154
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In September 2024, the Department of Commerce awarded the City a grant of $511,000 to install 320 solar panels at Olympia Fire Station 1 (Main Fire Station). Matching funds from the City are not required for this grant.
A feasibility study has already determined that the building is well suited to host a solar energy project. The City has partnered with Olympia Community Solar to lead the procurement process, guide installation, and support grant management and reporting requirements. To begin this project, the City needs to approve and execute the State grant contract to obligate the funds.
Climate Analysis:
The installation is projected to produce 122,268 kWhs per year of clean, renewable electricity. The production represents 85% of the Main Fire Station’s electricity needs. The first year of production is estimated to reduce our energy burden by $16,392. Over the project’s 25-year lifetime, it is expected to generate over $542,372 of reduced savings to the budget. According to PSE’s greenhouse gas content, the clean energy would offset 109,308 pounds of CO2 emissions. These savings are equivalent to 137,000 miles not driven using fossil fuels.
Equity Analysis:
If the grant is accepted, the contracted solar installation will be competitively bid for all contractors licensed to complete solar panel installation projects. The Olympia Main Fire Station is located at 100 Eastside Street NE, within and serving an overburdened and underserved census tract according to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Completion of this project is expected to have a solar dashboard that could be shared with community members with expected savings highlighted in the climate analysis.
Financial Impact:
This grant is a non-matching grant, so no financial impact is expected for the City of Olympia. The grant total is $511,000.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution to accept grant funds from the Department of Commerce to install new solar panels at the Olympia Main Fire Station. The project will proceed as planned.
2. Do not approve the proposed Resolution. The City will not proceed with the project and will not accept the grant funds.
3. Take other action.
Attachment:
Resolution
Agreement