Sustainability Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2023 02 15

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Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes January 18, 2023 Page 4 of 8 priorities will be to market these alternatives to rooftop solar. They are not seeking a binding contract and their aim is to create a partnership where the individual subscriber, the City, and US Solar all benefit — a program build with guaranteed savings — subscribers pay US Solar for their energy use at a guaranteed rate for kWh (shifting from Xcel to a solar developer). There is not a large savings (in addition to 5% savings from Xcel monthly credit, they receive $100 Amazon e-gift card or bill credit with US Solar). Additionally, US Solar also agrees to give $50-$100 to a local organization per resident who subscribes. US Solar doesn't want this to be exclusive and they support a diverse energy portfolio. US Solar has unique contributions they can make — they are one of a few developers that take the process from start to finish — finding land, securing permits, owning and maintaining solar garden, handling customer enrollment and management (billing, etc., which is done in partnership with Xcel) — and their gardens are native -habitat -friendly and pollinator -friendly. They also offer subscribers the ability to own their spot in the garden for the entire life of the garden if they want to (20 years is life, generally), but the subscriber can always cancel their subscription without fees with 60 days notice. As part of its customer management, US Solar will take care of creating a landing page for the City website. Lev asked about the company's capacity to meet the needs of Louisville's growing population in regards to infrastructure, size of staff, experience, etc. Tim responded that US Solar is the largest provider in MN and they have a 110 megawatt project with 150 megawatts in total in production now. They have capacity for 3,000 subscribers and have a large commercial program as well (for example, with Wells Fargo). US Solar has won 49% of the projects allocated under this program to outside partnerships by Xcel Energy. They are building 14 gardens in CO, which are either 2-5 megawatt projects and their projects won so far from Xcel consist of 35 to 40 megawatts in total. US Solar has lots of capacity and lots of customers and has the infrastructure, experience and ability to meet Louisville's needs.