09-11-2024 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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with six vendors in attendance. Four questions were received with additional documentation requests by the question deadline of August 26. All questions and documentation were issued as an addendum on the city’s website, and sent to vendors by CERT. Staff received eight proposals by the August 29 deadline. Request for Proposals were reviewed by staff, with a number of factors taken into consideration including: • Municipal government experience • Cost • Output of proposed solar array • Warranty and maintenance • Understanding of the city’s unique project scope • Understanding of the second round solar grant application process The eight vendors that submitted proposals were: 1. All Energy Systems 2. Apadana Energy 3. Blue Sky Electric 4. Energy Concepts 5. Planet Solarity 6. Renewable Energy Partners 7. SolarPod 8. Wolf River Electric Each of the proposals was unique, and all had different goals for the size of the system and the amount of electricity that could be generated. The actual city cost after the grant and tax credit payments are received was similar among all eight vendors, with the lowest being $0 (due to an additional grant that would be possible due to the type of equipment proposed) up to $11,620 for the highest cost. Apadana Energy exhibited great knowledge of the project in its proposal, and a good understanding of how the system would work with the tree cover around the City Hall grounds. Some of the companies said they would not recommend a solar project without the removal of the large tree in the south lawn due to the shading of the roof. Apadana looked at it closer and said “multiple trees were found that will cast shade onto the array, including directly south of the array. However, we simulate that this tree will not cast an uneconomical amount of shade, as the sun will be closer to directly overhead when the shade from the tree hits the roof surface.” Apadana also had a good grasp of the second-round grant application process and seems to be well-prepared to complete and submit the application. They have worked with numerous public entities on solar projects, including some large projects with the State of Minnesota and project on one of the St. Louis Park fire stations. Their products and warranties also meet all requirements of the grant application, and they included a 10-year workmanship warranty, which only three of the companies offered. Most offered only a one-year warranty on workmanship.