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Recommendation of approval of a contract to install solar photovoltaic systems at the Police Station and Potter Road Pumping Station
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Submitted by:
David Simpson, P.E.
Department
Public Works
A. Issue
As the City of Wauwatosa continues to evaluate cost effective strategies to become a more sustainable community the Department of Public Works continues to investigate renewable energy options for City owned facilities. Included in the City's capital improvement budget is funding for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the Police Station and the Potter Road Pumping Station. At this time we are asking for approval to enter into a contract for installation of these systems.
B. Background/Options
As solar PV technology advances and costs of goods are reduced the payback period for solar projects continues to improve. Because of this and given the success of the solar PV projects located on the City Garage and the City Hall/Civic Center/Library buildings the City has budgeted for three additional solar PV projects, two of which are included in this request. The first project includes the installation of solar panels on the Police Station roof as well as ground mounted panels immediately north of the Police Station parking lot. The second project includes the installation of ground mounted solar panels at the Potter Road Pumping Station, which is an ARPA funded project.
A request for proposals was issued on May 1, 2024 and two proposals were received on June 7th, 2024. Proposals for both systems ranged in cost from approximately $1,250,000 to approximately $1,493,000 and were reviewed by City staff. Many factors were considered including system size, cost, installer experience, time to completion, component selection, and reliability. After considering all these factors we are recommending the City enter into a contract with Arch Electric. Arch Electric has proposed using quality solar PV equipment with the lowest cost and a...
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