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218 the outcome. He would be more interested in what they are currently doing by <br />219 working with vendors and addressing the concerns of the City Council. <br />220 <br />221 Member Wozniak inquired if the City would consider partnering with other entities <br />222 in the City on a Solar Project, such as the school district or large commercial <br />223 establishments. <br />224 <br />225 Mr. Culver responded it might be an option. The school is going through a facility <br />226 upgrade and he is unsure when they would be ready to make their rooftops <br />227 available. They have been patient with solar discu so far, but the longer they <br />228 wait, the older the rooftops get. <br />229 <br />230 Member Seigler noted the longer they wait, the less expensive it gets. If they can <br />231 store and release the energy efficiently, it is worth more than 10 cents per kilowatt. <br />232 <br />233 Chair Cihacek stated the more the utility rates increase, the more value solar has <br />234 for them. There are benefits to waiting and benefits to action and they need to <br />235 determine the best plan for them. <br />236 <br />237 Mr. Culver stated there are a lot of incentive programs out there and they do not <br />238 know how long they will last. Solar panels may also become more efficient over <br />239 time and that will make it more attractive in the future. <br />240 <br />241 He invited Mr. Patrick Weir? from IPS Solar to present the second option to the <br />242 Commission. <br />243 <br />244 Mr. Weir from IPS Solar highlighted information related about their company and <br />245 reported they are located in Roseville and are NAPCEP certified. They offer full <br />246 service solar development and focus mainly on community and commercial solar <br />247 gardens. They partner with New Energy Equity and WGL Energy. They develop <br />248 and construct the solar site and then partner with a stable utility company, who <br />249 becomes the long-term owner. <br />250 <br />251 Chair Cihacek inquired if there is a relationship with the partners from the <br />252 beginning or if they are reassigned when the project is completed. <br />253 <br />254 Mr. Weir responded they are reassigned. The buyers want a group of projects that <br />255 they have subscribers to and sites. <br />256 <br />257 He continued his presentation and reported they have done 75 megawatts in <br />258 community solar so far in Minnesota. He explained community solar gardens have <br />259 an offsite garden, solar is tracked by Neel energy and they issue bill credits to the <br />260 consumer at the rate of $0.1033 per kilowatts per hour (kWh). The consumer then <br />261 pays back the developer $0.0983 per kWh and this presents a guaranteed five <br />262 percent savings the first year. He provided a list of current community solar <br />263 subscribers and pictures of community solar gardens they have done in Minnesota. <br />Page 6 of 16 <br />