SunSmart Ames: Solar Project Gets Approval To Proceed

From The City of Ames:

Post Date:07/24/2019 12:00 PM

The Ames City Council approved an Energy Services Agreement with ForeFront Power of San Francisco, Calif., to construct and maintain a 2 megawatt community solar farm on public land along Airport Road. Implementing a community solar project has been a long established City Council goal. The unanimous vote took place at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Following the vote, the audience broke out in applause.

“We have heard from many customers who support this project, are invested in its success, and want it to move forward,” said Ames Electric Services Director Donald Kom. “The City Council is excited to add solar to our renewable energy portfolio, which includes wind and refuse derived fuel.”

The solar generation facility will be built and operated by ForeFront Power, and Ames Electric Services will purchase all electricity provided by the solar panels. Customers can subscribe to the solar farm by buying energy shares or “Power Packs.” Each Power Pack represents a one time investment of $333. Customers will receive a small monthly credit on their utility bill for 20 years based on the amount of energy generated. Recent changes to the contract with ForeFront Power are anticipated to result in a small decrease in the final cost of a Power Pack.

Beginning in September, pledged customers will receive their information packets and agreements including the final cost of the Power Packs. These packets will continue being sent to pledged customers and new enrollees until the project reaches 100 percent.

While the Council initially approved breaking ground when 80 percent of the Power Packs were pledged, the commitment is currently at approximately 72 percent. Kom explained the recent surge in interest in SunSmart Ames gave the utility confidence that customers would continue to invest while the solar farm is under construction.

Ames Electric Services customers can purchase Power Packs or increase their commitment by going to www.CityOfAmes.org/Solar

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.