Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of Sustainable Columbus, to enter into a non-profit service contract with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) for the implementation of the Solar Co-Op Management program.
Solar United Neighbors is a 503(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building a clean, equitable energy system with rooftop solar as the cornerstone. SUN utilizes solar co-ops (a bulk-purchasing model) to provide discounted solar rates that help people go solar, jump-start and grow local clean energy markets, bring new constituencies into the movement, and build support for inclusive clean energy policies. SUN also works closely with community partners to ensure that the economic and social benefits of renewable energy development are invested in local communities.
The program has a goal of 150 participants and an estimated 60 solar installation projects. SUN will incorporate a direct point-of-sale rebate of 20% with a maximum $5,000 per project for City of Columbus residents for the 2026 program. Informational sessions will also be held which are free and open to the public. SUN will work alongside the provider and Sustainable Columbus staff to strategically promote, communicate, and market the informational sessions and the program as a whole. Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has significant experience implementing annual Solar Projects alongside city and municipal partners. This Solar Project will assist the City in reaching their clean and equitable energy goals.
The Solar Project is set up in phases; Phase I: Anticipated start February 2026, completion, March 2026. Phase II: Anticipated start April 2026, completion May 2026, Phase III: Anticipated start June 2026, completion August 2026, Phase IV: Anticipated start September 2026, completion February 2027 and Phase V: Anticipated start March 2027, completion March 2027. This contract and project budget may be renewed for a second year following the completion of the first project in 2026.
The services included in this agreement cannot be provided by existing city employees because these services are beyond the City’s current staffing capacity to provide.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $319,500.00 from the Sustainable Columbus Fund to Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to implement the Solar Co-Op Management Program.
Title
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of Sustainable Columbus, to enter into a non-profit service contract with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) for the implementation of the Solar Co-Op Management program to support the City’s clean and equitable energy goals; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $319,500.00 from the Sustainable Columbus fund. ($319,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Solar United Neighbors, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the City’s sustainability and community prosperity goals and clean energy industry; and
WHEREAS, SUN utilizes solar co-ops (a bulk-purchasing model) to provide discounted solar rates that help homeowners go solar, jump-start and grow local clean energy markets, bring new constituencies into the movement, and build support for inclusive clean energy policies; and
WHEREAS, this contract is awarded pursuant to provisions relating to non-profit services of City Code Chapter 329.30; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Department of Finance and Management, on behalf of Sustainable Columbus, to authorize the Director to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Solar United Neighbors (SUN); to implement the Solar Co-Op Management program. The contract is anticipated to begin in February 2026 and may be renewed for a second year following the completion of the first project in 2026, all for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Finance and Management, on behalf of Sustainable Columbus, is hereby authorized to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) for the Solar Co-Op Management program with an option to renew for a second year upon the completion of the first year.
SECTION 2. The amount of $319,500.00 is appropriated in Fund 2260/226001 (Sustainable Columbus Fund), Dept-Div 4550 (Finance Director’s Office) in object class 03 (Contractual Services) per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $319,500.00, or so much thereof as may be needed in regard to the action authorized in Section 1, is hereby authorized by the Sustainable Columbus Fund 2260 in object class 03 Contractual Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance
SECTION 4. That the monies in the foregoing Sections shall be paid upon order of the Director of Finance and Management, on behalf of Sustainable Columbus, and that no order shall be drawn or paid except by voucher, the form of which shall be approved by the City Auditor.
SECTION 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 6. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That this contract is awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.30 relating to awarding not-for-profit service contracts.
SECTION 8. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.