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Title:
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License Agreement for Additional Mobile Solar Generators (Ordinance S-45112)
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Title
License Agreement for Additional Mobile Solar Generators (Ordinance S-45112)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to update the current revocable, non-exclusive license agreement with DC Solar Freedom from a maximum of 100 mobile solar generators to allow for up to 200 mobile solar generators, at no cost to the City.
Report
Summary
Established in 2015, DC Solar Freedom, a benefit corporation, began manufacturing mobile solar generators -- a transportable solar energy capture and storage device about the size of a typical utility trailer -- capable of providing a number of energy services including event lighting, electric vehicle charging, equipment charging, and back-up power. Given the solar generators charge by solar energy, they provide clean and renewable power while operating noise-free.
The solar generators come in three configurations:
As a light tower equipped with eight LED lights capable of lighting 1-2 acres for 20 hours.
As an electric vehicle charging station capable of level 2 (220V) fast charging.
As a solar generator capable of providing continuous power for a number of applications from its eight 120V and 240V outlets.
City Council approved a license agreement with DC Solar Freedom for a maximum of 100 solar trailers in early 2018. Since that time, over 60 trailers have been installed in parks, streets, police, aviation, and at transit park-and-rides with more units being installed this fall at various locations. City departments have tested the initial tranche of trailers, and received positive feedback from staff and the community. There is interest in updating the five-year license agreement to allow for up to 200 solar trailers for use on City property.
The financial model for DC Solar Freedom, as a benefit corporation, is different than that of a typical for-profit company. A benefit corporation is a type of for-profit corporate entity, authorized by 30 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, that includes positive impact on society, workers, the community and the environment in addition to profit as its legally defined goals. Within that context, DC Solar Freedom will cover the full cost of the mobile solar generator of $150,000 each through strategic partner lease arrangements with DC Solar Distribution, Inc., a major clean energy company, and specific businesses that make the socially responsible decision to underwrite the power. DC Solar Freedom will cover the cost of all units they produce at no charge to cities and university campuses. The mobile solar generators will bear the logo of DC Solar and its partners in accordance with City advertising standards.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact for this change in the maximum number of trailers.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was recommended for City Council approval by the Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee on Oct. 3, 2018 by a vote of 3-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Office of Sustainability.