Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

To: David L. Corliss, City Manager

From: Eileen Horn, Sustainability Coordinator

CC: Ernie Shaw, Mark Hecker

Date: February 11, 2013

Re: Westar Energy Solar Project Grant Opportunity

Westar Energy has issued a grant application available to Kansas schools, non-profit organizations and government agencies for solar photovoltaic projects. Westar will provide funds to purchase, install, and maintain a 10-30 kW solar PV system, at 15-20 locations throughout their service territory in Kansas. Projects will be selected based on the opportunity to provide education about solar energy, the characteristics of the site, the organization’s readiness to have the solar panels installed and geographic diversity. Applications are due March 1. www.westarenergy.com/solarproject

City staff would like to apply to the Westar Solar Project for a 30kW solar PV system at the Prairie Park Nature Center (2730 Harper Rd.) We believe that Prairie Park would be an ideal location due to the following factors:

· The Prairie Park Nature Center (PPNC) is uniquely positioned to showcase the City's commitment to sustainability. It already serves as our region's premier nature education center, and last year engaged 44,500 citizens of Lawrence and tourists in environmental education programming.

· PPNC hosts environmental programming that would be easily adapted to include education about solar energy, including the "eco-energy" camp each summer where students learn about all forms of energy, and annual teacher training workshops. We would also propose building an interactive kiosk where PPNC patrons could view the energy output of the panels in real-time.

· Building: The slope, orientation, and potentially easier installation on the metal roof make it an excellent candidate for solar PV installation.

· Currently, the annual electricity usage of Prairie Park Nature Center is 72,000 kWh, for an annual cost of $7,750. If we were to receive a 30 kW solar PV system, we estimate the system would produce 55% of the electricity utilized by the building (39,460 kWh). This would save the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department about $4,300 each year in avoided energy costs.

Requested Action: Approve application to the Westar Energy Solar Project Grant for the Prairie Park Nature Center.