Title
Resolution to support and endorse the 2025 Switch Together Solar Group Buy program organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Citizens Utility Board.
Staff Summary
• On January 16, 2024, the Lake County Board passed a resolution endorsing the 2024 solar group buy program organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Citizens Utility Board.
• This resolution would endorse the 2025 solar group buy program organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Citizens Utility Board.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake County Regional Framework Plan encompasses several goals related to energy conservation, reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and implementing smart growth policies as a part of its commitment to strong environmental protection measures; and
WHEREAS, a solar group buy program entails volume discounts through competitive selection of geothermal installers and a limited-time consumer education program for homeowners, commercial property owners, and others interested in solar; and
WHEREAS, the greater number of properties that choose to install solar, the lower the price of all solar installations through the program; and
WHEREAS, Lake County recognizes that additional solar panel installations will diversify Lake County’s power supply, provide stability during peak power needs (e.g., summer), save residents money on their electric bills, create local jobs and local investment opportunities, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced each year to help limit global warming, and promote Lake County as a green powered community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Planning, Building, Zoning, and Environment Committee of Lake County:
Lake County will support and endorse the Switch Together Solar Group Buy program for the year 2025 organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Citizens Utility Board by:
1. Assigning a Lake County representative to the Switch Together Solar Advisory Committee whose prime responsibility is to review installer procurement requirements for solar installers, approve outreach and marketing materials, and be available to advise on group buy performance; and
2. Allowing the use of Lake County’s logo on promotional materials that state Lake County is a supporter of this project; and
3. Promoting project details through email, newsletters, website, flyers, social media, and other means as appropriate; and
4. Streamlining the solar installation permitting process for group buy participants; and
5. Allowing educational sessions (Solar Power Hours) to be held at County facilities.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on January 14, 2025.