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the outcome. He would be more interested in what they are currently doing by <br />working with vendors and addressing the concerns of the City Council. <br />Member Wozniak inquired if the City would consider partnering with other entities <br />in the City on a Solar Project, such as the school district or large commercial <br />establishments. <br />Mr. Culver responded it might be an option. The school is going through a facility <br />upgrade and he is unsure when they would be ready to make their rooftops <br />available. They have been patient with solar discussions so far, but the longer they <br />wait, the older the rooftops get. <br />Member Seigler noted the longer they wait, the less expensive it gets. If they can <br />store and release the energy efficiently, it is worth more than 10 cents per kilowatt. <br />Chair Cihacek stated the more the utility rates increase, the more value solar has <br />for them. There are benefits to waiting and benefits to action and they need to <br />determine the best plan for them. <br />Mr. Culver stated there are a lot of incentive programs out there and they do not <br />know how long they will last. Solar panels may also become more efficient over <br />time and that will make it more attractive in the future. <br />He invited Mr. Patrick Weir? from IPS Solar to present the second option to the <br />Commission. <br />Mr. Weir from IPS Solar highlighted information related about their company and <br />reported they are located in Roseville and are NAPCEP certified. They offer full <br />service solar development and focus mainly on community and commercial solar <br />gardens. They partner with New Energy Equity and WGL Energy. They develop <br />and construct the solar site and then partner with a stable utility company, who <br />becomes the long-term owner. <br />Chair Cihacek inquired if there is a relationship with the partners from the <br />beginning or if they are reassigned when the project is completed. <br />Mr. Weir responded they are reassigned. The buyers want a group of projects that <br />they have subscribers to and sites. <br />He continued his presentation and reported they have done 75 megawatts in <br />community solar so far in Minnesota. He explained community solar gardens have <br />an offsite garden, solar is tracked by Neel energy and they issue bill credits to the <br />consumer at the rate of $0.1033 per kilowatts per hour (kWh). The consumer then <br />pays back the developer $0.0983 per kWh and this presents a guaranteed five <br />percent savings the first year. He provided a list of current community solar <br />subscribers and pictures of community solar gardens they have done in Minnesota. <br />Page 6 of 16 <br />