Agenda Item Request:
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Authorize the County Manager to enter into a contract with Maine Solar Solutions for a solar array at 27 Northport Drive.
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Background and Purpose of Request:
Requestor: Travis Kennedy, Director of Public Affairs
Cumberland County has access to funds through the US Department of Energy (DOE)'s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The County has $79,760 rebate assigned through a formula for use in purchases or planning to reduce the County's fossil fuel consumption.
The County Commissioners have expressed an interest in installing a solar array on the roof of the new County Executive Office building at 27 Northport Drive. This project qualifies for EECBG funding, and County staff has earned approval from DOE to spend funds on a rooftop solar project.
The County launched and publicized an RFQ in October, requesting area solar installers present their qualifications and a concept proposal to install a solar array that maximizes solar energy capture within the available rooftop space for a competitive price.
Several firms engaged during the RFQ process, and one showed up for an open invitation site tour. In the end, two firms submitted proposals. The bid from Maine Solar Solutions presented a more thorough understanding of the site specifics, demonstrated stronger relationships with necessary area partners (Central Maine Power, in particular) and shared similar comps from the region to our project. Their concept bid also came in safely within the County' allotted rebate from DOE.
County staff notified Maine Solar Solutions that they were provisionally selected and held a kickoff call on November 20. Staff shared construction drawings and discussed timelines, and conducted a thorough site walk on Wednesday, December 4. Maine Solar Solutions is developing several options for the roof for County staff to consider.
There is a federal tax rebate that reimburses 30% of the cost of a solar array; so Cumberland Count...
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